United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Great Lakes
National Program Office
230 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, Illinois 60604
EPA-905/9-91-005A
GL-07A-91
&EPA
Genesee River
Watershed Study
Volume I — Summary
Printed on Recycled Pap
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CENESEE RIVER WATERSHED STUDY
VOLUME 1: Summary
VOLUME 2: Special Studies - New York\State
REPORT I: Sediment Nutrient and Met>
Heavy Mfetal Character! zat i
REPORT I I : Ceo/hemi stry of Oxi de Pre
Ce ere see Watershed
REPORT ill: SArficial Geology ofAhe Genesee Valley
and Water Col urnn
n in the Genesee River
ipitates in the
VOLUME 3: Special Studies - Renssel>er Polytechnic Institute
and Co/nel I Uni versi t
REPORT I : rfivtentory of
Watershed
»rms of Nutrients Stored in a
REPORT II: Evaluation of theXEogardi T-3 Bedl oad Sampler
REPORT IN: Ni t roc^n and Phosphorus in Drainage Water
from OrgVmi c Soins
VOLUME 1: Special Studies^- United States Geological Survey
PART I : Streamflow and Sediment Transport in the Genesee
Ri ver. New York
PART II: Hydrogeol ogi c Influences on Sediment-transport
Patterns in the Genesee River Basin
PART III: Sources and Movement of Sediment in the
Canaseraga Creek Basin near Dansville, New York
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EPA-905/9-91-005A
February 1991
GENESEE RIVER WATERSHED STUDY
SUMMARY
VOLUME 1
for
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Chicago, Illinois
Grant Number R005144-01
Grants Officer
Ralph G. Christensen
Great Lakes National Program Office
This study, funded by a Great Lakes Program grant from the U.S. EPA,
was conducted as part of the TASK C-Pilot Watershed Program for the
International Joint Commission's Reference Group on Pollution from
Land Use Activities.
GREAT LAKES NATIONAL PROGRAM OFFICE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, REGION V
230 SOUTH DEARBORN STREET
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60604
U.S. Environmental Pr: •': /-in A-o
'7;;"I'-,' '5, Library ( .
:'/-••') >>. Dearborn St^-u- . , ,. J :jy'0
Chicago, IL 60604
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DISCLAIMER
This report has been reviewed by the Great Lakes National
Program Office, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and
approved for publication. Approval does not signify that
the contents necessarily reflect the views and policies
of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency nor does
mention of trade names or commercial products constitute
endorsement or recommendation for use.
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GENESEE RIVER
PILOT WATERSHED STUDY
SUMMARY PILOT WATERSHED REPORT
Submitted to
International Joint Commission
International Reference Group on Pollution from Land Use Activities
by
Leo J. Hetling
G. Anders Carlson
Jay A. Bloomfield
Patricia W. Boulton
Michael R. Rafferty
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Bureau of Water Research
Albany, New York
March 1978
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3. COOPERATING AGENCIES AND FUNDING ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Cooperating Agencies:
NTS Department of Environmental Conservation, Bureau of Water Research
NTS Department of Health, Division of Laboratories and Research
NYS Department of Education, Geological Survey
Cornell University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service
U.S. Department of the Interior, Geological Survey
This study was supported by funds from the United States Environmental
Protection Agency under Grant No. R00514401.
iii
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4. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This study would not have been possible without the
support of the following agencies and people:
New York State Department
of Environmental Conservation
Bureau of Vater Research
Vincent Blsceglia
Richard Murdock
Steve Russell
Valerie Veisman
Stanley Zelka
New York State
Department of Health
Division of Labs and Research
Michael M. Reddy
Arthur H. Richards
Robert Veinbloom
United States Department of Agriculture
Soil Conservation Service
Willis E. Kanna
Henry S. Stamatel
United States Department of the Interior
Geological Survey
Water Resources Division
Laurence J. Mansue
United States
Environmental Protection Agency
Robert P. Dona
New York State
Education Department
Geological Survey
Philip R. Whitney
International Joint Commission
Darnell M. Whitt
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Hassan M. El-Baroudi
Deborah A. James
Kevin J. Walter
Thomas F. Zimmle
Cornell University
David R. Bouldln
John M. Duxbury
John H. Peverly
iv
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10.
9.1.1
9.1.2
9.2
9.3
9.4
Tabulated
1C.1
10.2
10.3
10.3.1
10.3.2
10.4
10.5
10.5.1
10.5.2
10.5.3
1C. 6
10.7
10.7.1
10.7.1.1
Study Objectives
The Gene see River Watershed
Study Approach
Data Collection Methods
Key Parameters and Analytical Procedures
Results of Data Collected
Land Use
Estimation of Study Year Loadings of
Phosphorus, Sediment and Chloride
Inventory of Point Discharges in the
Genesee River Basin
Upstream Point Source Discharges
Rochester Point Source Discharges
Distribution of Net Unit Loads
Delivery Ratio
Suspended Sediment
Phosphorus
Chloride
Land Use, Soils, Geology and Water Quality
Special Studies
Water Quality Studies at Mill Creek, New York
Sampling Interval Studies at Mill Creek, New York
5. CONTENTS
Page
1. Title Page i
2. Disclaimer ii
3. Cooperating Agencies and Funding iii
4. Acknowledgements iv
5. Table of Contents v
6. Liet of Tables vii
7. List of Figures ix
8. Summary
9. Introduction 2
8
8
10
12
12
12
35
35
35
39
39
43
47
50
53
58
58
58
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10.7.1.2 Inventor7 of Forme of Nutrients Stored in a Watershed 63
10.7.2 Nitrogen and Phosphorus Losses in Drainage "Water froic 66
Organic Soils
10.7.3 Nutrients and Heavy Metals in Genesee River Sediments 66
10.7.4 Streamflow and Sediment Transport in the Genesee River 70
Basin, New York
10.7.5 A Synoptic Survey of Base Flow Water Chetistry in the 71
Genesee River Watershed
10.7.6 Geochemistry of Oxide Precipitation in the Genesee 72
River Watershed
1C.7.7 Point Source Phosphorus Influence and Cycling in 76
Streams
10.7.8 Stream Bank Erosion Study 77
10.7.9 Evaluation of the Bogardi T-3 Bedload Sampler 78
10.7.10 Surficial Geology of the Genesee Basin 78
11. Data Interpretations and Conclusions 80
11.1 Causes and Sources of Pollutant Contribution 80
11.2 Extent of Pollutant Contributions in Unit Area 80
Loadings and Seasonal Variations
11.3 Relative Significance of Sources Within the 80
Watershed
11.4. Transmission of Pollution 81
11.5 Data Transferability 81
12. References 82
vi
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6. TABLES
No. Page
1. Genesee River Watershed Study - Special Studies 9
2. Land Use Groupings 11
3. Genesee River Basin Land Use Summary
a. Genesee River Main Stem 13
b. Canaseraga Creek 14
c. Oatka Creek 15
43t Study Year 1975: Loadings of Total Phosphorus, 17
Suspended Solids and Chloride
4b. Study Year 1976: Loadings of Total Phosphorus, 18
Suspended Solids and Chloride
5 . Constituent Loading
a. Genesee River at Rochester 22
b. Genesee River at Avon 23
c. Genesee River at Mt. Morris 24
d. Keshequa Creek at Craig Colony 25
e. Canaseraga Creek at Poag's Hole 26
f. Canaseraga Creek at Route 436 27
g. Canaseraga Creek at Shaker's Crossing 28
h. Oatka Creek at Warsaw 29
i. Oatka Creek at Garbutt 30
j. Black Creek 31
k. Genesee River at Wellsville 32
1. Genesee River at Portageville 33
6. Ratio of Winter to Summer Loads and Stream Flows 3A
Study Year 1975
7. Inventory of Point Discharges
a. Municipal 37
b. Industrial 38
8. Suspended Solids and Phosphorus Load Estimates 45
9. Chloride Mass Balance 52
vii
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10 . Geology and Soil Indices 53
11. Statistics for Phosphorus Analyses for Several Sediment 68
Types Collected in the Genesee River Watershed
12 • Statistics for Total Analyses of Bottom Sediments 69
Collected in the Genesee River Watershed
13 . Mean Metal Concentrations in Genesee River Watershed 69
Sediment, Average Shale Composition and Typical Lake
Sediments Rich in Ca-Mg Carbonates
Vlli
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7. FIGURES
1. Genesee River Basin Map 3
2. Genesee River Watershed-Bedrock Geology 5
3. Genesee River Watershed-Parent Soil Material 6
4.. Genesee River Watershed-Land Use 7
5. Mean Square Error vs. Cutoff Percentile for Total 16
Phosphorus, Chloride and Suspendad Solids - Genesee
River at Avon
6. Mean Square Error vs. Cutoff Percentile for Total 16
Phosphorus, Chloride and Suspended Solids - Canaseraga
Creek at Shakers Crossing
7. Mean Square Error vs. Cutoff Percentile for Total 16
Phosphorus, Chloride and Suspended Solids - Genesee
River at Portageville
3. Total Phosphorus-Gross Unit Loads 19
9. Suspended Solids-Gross Unit Loads 20
10. Chloride-Gross Unit Loads 21
11. Genesee River Basin - Point Discharges 36
12. Study Year 1975-Net Total Phosphorus Unit Loads 40
13. Study Year 1975-Net Chloride Unit Loads 41
II. Study Year 1975-Net Suspended Solids Unit Loads 42
15. Unit Load Calculation Flow Chart 44
16. Estimated Suspended Solids Unit Load 45
17. Estimated Particulate Phosphorus Unit Load 48
IB. Estimated Soluble Phosphorus Unit Load 49
19. Estimated Chloride Unit Load 51
20. Chloride Concentration vs. Land Use 54
21. Chloride Concentration vs. Geology Index and Soil 54
Drainage Index
22. Total Soluble Phosphorus vs. Land Use 55
23. Total Soluble Phosphorus log Coefficient of Variation 55
vs. Geology Index and Soil pH Index
24.. Soil pH Index vs. Land Use 57
25. Geology Index vs. Land Use 57
26. Slope Index vs. Land Use 57
27. Soil Drainage Index vs. Land Use 57
23. Mill Creek - Stream Discharge vs. Sampling Interval 59
29. Mill Creek - Chloride Concentration vs. Sampling Interval 59
30. Mill Creek - Chloride Load vs. Sampling Interval 60
31. Kill Creek - Particulate Phosphorus Concentration vs. 60
Sampling Interval
ix
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No. Pa^e
32. Kill Creek - Particulate Phosphorus Load vs. Sampling 61
Interval
33. Kill Creek - Soluble Phosphorus Concentration vs. 61
Sampling Interval
34. Mill Creek - Soluble Phosphorus Load vs. Sampling 62
Interval
35. Mill Creek - Suspended Solids Concentration'vs. 62
Sampling Interval
36. Mill Greek - Suspended Solids Load vs. Sampling 63
Interval
37. Mill Creek - Annual Phosphorus Budget 64
38. Mill Creek - Monthly Phosphorus Loss 65
39. Synoptic Survey - Areal Runoff 73
40. Synoptic Survey - Soluble Phosphorus Concentration 73
41. Synoptic Survey - Chloride Concentration 74
42. Synoptic Survey - Calcium Concentration 74
43. Synoptic Survey - Calcium, Chloride and Soluble Phosphorus 75
vs. Geology
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8. SUMMARY
The Genesee River was monitored for stream flow and a variety of water
water quality parameters under a program sponsored by the International Joint
Commission, Pollution from Land Use Activities Reference Group, Task C,
Pilot Watersheds Study. An integrated sampling program was operated from
March 1975 through June 1977. Twenty-eight stations covered the spectrum
of land use, soil type and geologic development found in the watershed.
Pollutants studied in detail were total phosphorus, suspended solids and
chloride.
Results of the study suggest that water quality is not entirely de-
pendent on land use; soil type, geology and gecmorphology also have strong
influence on the amounts and forms of various pollutants transported by
surface waters. The intensely farmed areas in the central and northern
portion of the watershed lie on calcareous soils. These areas contribute
higher unit loads of phosphorus, chloride and suspended solids than does the
remainder of the watershed. Areas of cultivated muck land produce elevated
phosphorus unit loads, and excessive chloride production is identified with
those regions having extensive salt mining operations.
Variations in river loading indicate that urban land is relatively more
productive than agriculture for the parameters studied. Forested land is the
least productive. A portion of urban impact is associated with point source
discharges particularly with respect to chloride and phosphorus. Suspended
solids, as an urban point source, have little impact. Large chloride point
sources are storm water runoff and phosphorus is contributed from municipal
wastewater.
Transport of the several pollutants is variable within reaches and over
the watershed. Conservative, dissolved constituents tend to be transported
undiminished, while particulate and reactive materials may be subject to sub-
stantial processing. The nature of the system, however, makes it difficult
to identify specific delivery ratios, though there is a displacement in time
of the transport of particulate material. Depending on flow and specific
reach, the displacement varies in time from days to months.
Generalized results are transferable, but the variability found indicates
that specific numerical results are unique to an area. Unless a watershed
with similar land use practices, soil types and geology can be identified,
the results cannot be transferred. This limits extrapolation to very small
areas where specific numerical results can be transferred or very large
areas where generalized qualitative results are sufficient.
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9. INTRODUCTION
9.1.1 Study Objectives
Concern for the deterioration of Great Lakes water quality has
prompted the Governments of the United States and Canada to conduct
studies of the impact of land use (i.e., man's activities) on the water
quality of the Great Lakes. By the authority of the Great Lakes Water
Quality Agreement of April 15, 1972, the International Joint Commission
(IJC) authorized such studies and development of recommendations for
remedial measures to maintain or improve Great Lakes water quality.
Through the Great Lakes Water Quality Board, the IJC established the
International Reference Group on Great Lakes Pollution from Land Use
Activities (Pollution from Land Use Activities Reference Group - PLUARG)
to carry out such studies.
PLUARG developed a study program (IJC, 1974) which consisted of
four major tasks. Task A was devoted to the collection and assessment
of management and research information and, in its later stages, to the
critical analysis of implications of potential recommendations. Task B
was responsible for the preparation of a land use inventory (largely
from existing data), and the analysis of trends in land use patterns
and practices. Task C called for the conducting of detailed surveys
of selected watersheds to determine the sources of pollutants, their
relative significance and the assessment of the degree of transmission
of pollutants to boundary waters. Task D was devoted to obtaining
supplementary information on the impacts of materials on the boundary
waters, their effect on water quality and their significance in these
waters in the future and under alternative management schemes. The
PLUARG Study Plan was approved by the Great Lakes Water Quality Board
in March 1974. and the IJC in April 1974.
The Task C portion of the Detailed Study Plan included intense
investigations of six watersheds in Canada and the United States which
represent the full-range of urban and rural land uses found in the
Great Lakes Basin. A Technical Committee and Task C Subgroup have
developed and conducted the pilot watershed studies. The Genesee River
Watershed was selected as a pilot study area to quantitatively determine
the effects of various land use activities, soils, geomorphology and
geology on surface water quality. Also, the rates and nature of trans-
mission of selected pollutants, particularly suspended sediment, phos-
phorus and chlorides to Lake Ontario were assessed.
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9.1.2 The Genesee River Watershed
The Genesee River Watershed is a 636,400 ha drainage area in
central New York and north central Pennsylvania (Figure 1). The water-
shed is roughly rectangular in shape and running south to north, has
24-7 km of mainstream river reach. At Lake Ontario, the Genesee has had
a long-term mean flow of 77 m^/sec. The climate of the basin is humid
with cold winters and mild summers, with mean annual temperatures of
13°C in the lower basin and 7°C in the upland areas. Mean annual
precipitation for the watershed is 86.4 cm, ranging from 106.7 cm in
the upper basin to 71.1 cm in the lowlands. Local cloudburst storms
are common throughout the basin as are summertime rainfall deficiencies
(US Army Corps of Engineers, 1967).
N
FIGURE 1.
GENESEE RIVER
BASIN MAP
KEY
I- run rmt no.
I- CwHMMir««rtfW>
Genesee River
Basin Map.
iCraM
iCnM
MMCn*
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The modern Genesee drainage system is the product of extensive
working and reworking by the glacial succession during the Pleistocene
Period starting with the Wisconsonian Glaciation that formed the Clean
terminal Moraine band across southern New York and northern Pennsylvania.
Subsequent retreats and readvances deposited the Valley Heads Moraine
forming the terminus for the glacial Finger Lakes of central New York.
These deposits left characteristic till in many of the steep upland
streambeds. Final glacial activity in the north diverted the Genesee
to its present discharge into Lake Ontario, a consequence of the
deposit of the Albion Moraine and the drumlin fields to the south and
east of Rochester.
Soils in the basin were created through reworking of the land sur-
face by glaciation. This process tended to grind and transport the
characteristic bedrock materials southward, distorting in the soils the
more clearly defined breakpoints of the bedrock. The transport moved
calcareous material to the south, producing a more extensive alkaline soil
environment than the composition of the parent material would suggest.
The Genesee River Basin is developed on three major terraces that
are separated by northward facing escarpments. The Allegheny Plateau
extends from the headwaters in Pennsylvania to the Portage Escarpment
which runs approximately east to west, dipping southward east of Mt.
Morris. Bedrock assemblages of the Allegheny Plateau area are inter-
bedded sandstone and shale (Figure 2), while soils are primarily
glacial tills and outwash (Figure 3). Upland areas (above 500 m) are
classified as frigid soils made up of mixtures of siltstone, shale and
sandstone tending toward an acid reaction pH. These soils have poor to
moderately good drainage capabilities. Major tributaries of the
Genesee are bedded on more alkaline/calcareous lake and marine sediments.
Land use developments in the Allegheny Plateau are dominated by forests
with some agricultural activity (Figure 4). To the south are areas of
oil and gas extraction. There is limited population development in the
southern portion of the watershed.
North of the Portage Escarpment lie three narrow plains separated
by narrow scarps. The Erie Plain of calcareous shales is terminated by
the limestone Onondaga Escarpment as the bedrock moves into the Huron
Plain which is supported on alternating dolostone and calcareous shale
formations. Soils of these two plains are predominantly glacial tills of
limestone with shale and sandstones and have moderately good drainage.
Lake and marine sediments form the major stream beds. All the soils in
the Erie and Huron Plains tend toward alkaline reaction pH. Forest in
the Allegheny Plateau gives way to extensive agricultural development
in the central and north central Genesee Basin. Population centers tend
to be larger and more frequent toward the north.
The Niagara Escarpment, running through the city of Rochester, de-
lineates the narrow Ontario Lake Plain. Imperfectly and poorly drained
lacustrine silt and clay deposits make up the mildly alkaline soils of the
plain. The portion of the watershed developed in the Lake Plain is taken
up by the City of Rochester, the major urbann center of the Genesee Basin.
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GENESEE RIVER WATER-
SHED BEDROCK GEOLOGY
S DOMINANTLY SANDSTONE
• ALTERNATING DOLOSTONE
ft SHALE FORMATIONS-
mainly catcarcout
Q DOMINANTLY LIMESTONE
@ DOMINANTLY SHALE
S MINOR LIMESTONE
GO INTERBEDDED SANDSTONE
a SHALE
FIGURE 2. Genesee River Watershed-Bedrock Geology.
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6ENESEE RIVER WATERSHED SOILS
PARENT MATERIAL
D
GLACIAL OUTWASH
a
DELTAIC SAND
GLACIAL TILLS
LAKE a MARINE
SEDIMENTS
FIGURE 3. Genesee River Watershed-Parent Soil Material.
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GENESEE RIVER WATERSHED
LAND USE
URBAN/RESIDENTIAL/
COMMERCIAL
ACTIVE CROP ft PASTURE
FOREST, BRUSH, ft INACTIVE
AGRICULTURE
FIGURE
A. Genesee River Watershed-Land Use,
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9.2 Study Approach
The watershed field sampling was designed to cover not only the
land use variations of the Genesee country, but to also consider the
variations in geologic and soil system development (Figures 2-1+). A
total of 28 routine sampling stations for streamflow, suspended sedi-
ments and water chemistry were established along the main stem of the
Genesee and three of its major tributaries; Black Creek, Canaseraga
Creek and Oatka Creek (Figure l). Figure 1 also shows sample sites
associated with a synoptic survey of the watershed (Section 10.7.5).
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS
DEC) was the overall coordinating agency for the study, having technical
and administrative responsibility for its own projects and the several
subcontractors. Major cooperators included the United States Geo-
logical Survey (USGS) (streamflow and suspended measurements and
mineralogical data collection) and the New York State Department of
Health, Division of Laboratories and Research (NYSDH) (analytical
services for water column and sediment systems).
In addition to the above, a number of special studies were assigned
to various government agencies and universities in order to develop
specific information. The special studies are summarized in Table 1
and detailed in Section 10.7.
9.3 Data Collection Methods
Data collection methods for the Genesee River Pilot Watershed
Study were initially based on a routine sampling program which included
a total of 28 stations. The stations were made up of a combination of
the following:
l) Continuous recording flow
2) Continuous recording flow and daily sediment
3) Partial record flow and sediment (Flow and
sediment measured only when chemistry samples
were taken)
Telemark devices ( which permit transmission of remotely sensed data by
phone) at most of the recording stage stations and at two weighing pre-
cipitation gages were used as early warning mechanisms for event
sampling. The established network included six stations along the main
stem of the Genesee, plus seven in the Oatka Creek watershed, twelve
covering Canaseraga Creek and its tributaries, one downstream station
on Black Creek and two on Little Conesus Creek in support of the muck-
land special study (Section 10.7.2) (Figure 1).
Daily sediment sampling was handled by observers employed by the
USGS and routine water quality and sediment sampling by DEC personnel.
Events were manually sampled by the USGS observers and DEC sampling
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Table 1. GENESEE RIVEP WATERSHED STUDY - SPECIAL STUDIES
Organization
New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation
New York State Department of
Health, Division of labora-
tories and Research
New York State Department of
Education, Geological Survey
United States Geological
Survey
United States Department of
Agriculture, Soil Conserva-
tion Service
Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute, Troy, NY
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
Study
a) Mill Creek Optimum Sampling Strategy
Evaluation
b) Genesee Synoptic Survey
Suspended and bed sediment chemistry-
nutrients and metals
Mineralogical analysis and geochem-
istry of sediment oxide precipitates
Suspended sediment sources and trans-
port in relation to basin parameters
a) Detailed soils mapping and analysis
b) Stream Back Erosion Study
a) Evaluation of a differential pressure
bedload sampling device
b) Inventory and estimation of nutrients
and nutrient fluxes in a soall agri-
cultural watershed
a) Estimation of nutrient loss rates
from cultivated organic soils
b) Point source phosphorus influence
and cycling in streams
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teams for most of the study.
In June 1976 a major revision in the sampling network and sampling
strategy was made. Six stations in the original sampling network were
dropped; the Black Creek site, one intermediate site each on Oatka and
Canaseraga Creeks, the muck area station on Bradner Creek and the two
muck sites on Little Conesus Creek. The first four sites were dropped
because of poor flow record generation and the two Conesus sites because
the muckland special study was completed.
Changes in the sampling strategy included extension of the routine
sampling interval to one month and installation of six automatic samplers.
Extension of the sampling frequency was made to promote response to
events both in manual sampling and in servicing the automatic sampling
equipment. Additionally, three sites (the two downstream sites on Oatka
and Canaseraga Creeks and the Genesee site below Mt. Morris) were
sampled daily by the respective USGS observers for water chemistry.
These modifications of the sampling program continued until the end of
the field work in June 1977.
Land use data related to the Genesee watershed is taken from the
Land Use and Natural Resources (LUNR) Inventory prepared by Cornell
University (Hardy and Shelton, 1970).
Development of the inventory is based on 1967-1968 aerial photo-
graphy and field checks between 1967 and 1969. Land use is divided
into 11 major groups which are subdivided into 51 land use categories
each having a minimum map area of one acre (2.47 ha). From this data
base, mylar overlays based on the 24,000 scale USGS quadrangles were de-
veloped. Coding of the data for analytical purposes was based on the
Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) grid producing cells of 1 km . The
two watersheds under intensive study and the synoptic survey sub-basins
were coded at a resolution of one-quarter UTM Cells. Land use classi-
fications utilized are summarized in Table 2 and are those identified
for general investigation by PLUARG Task B (IJC, 1977a).
Soils and bedrock geology data is also available, but is not re-
ported in detail in this report.
9.4 Key Parameters and Analytical Procedures
Water column chemical analysis included particulate and soluble
phosphorus, nitrogen and carbon species, and chloride, sulfate, silica,
iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium. Field measurements
included pH, alkalinity, hardness, air and water temperature, dissolved
oxygen and stream flow. Samples collected by USGS observers and auto-
matic equipment were analyzed for total phosphorus, nitrogen, carbon,
chloride, silica, sulfate, iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese and sodium.
Based on PLUARG needs, this report will discuss only phosphorus,
suspended sediments and chlorides.
10
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Sediment sampling included suspended and bed material. Analysis
of the various sediment fractions included species of phosphorus,
nitrogen and carbon plus aluminum, copper, chromium, iron, manganese,
nickel, lead and zinc. Presentation of sediment chemical analysis in
this report will include phosphorus and these metals. Analytical pro-
cedures used in water column analysis are on either Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA, 1974) or "Standard Methods" (WPCA, 1971) pro-
cedures. Precision, significance thresholds and detection limits are
as reported by Krishnamurty and Reddy (1975). Analytical methods used
in special studies are referenced by individual investigators in their
detailed study reports.
TABLE 2. Land Use Groupings.
PLUARG - Task B
Designation
Residential
Commercial - Industrial
Cropland
Pasture
Forest
Outdoor Recreation
Wetlands
Inland Vatera
Miscellaneous
LDNR Classification
Residential - high, medium & low
density
Strip Development
Rural residential, low density,
hamlet, farm labor, estate
Transportation and utility corridors
Airports
Commercial business and strip
development
Industrial - light and heavy
Active Cropland
High intensity agriculture
Horticulture
Orchards
Permanent/unrotated pasture
Natural stands
Stocked stands
Brush
Inactive agriculture
Commercial recreation
Outdoor recreation
Wooded wetlands
Marsh
Natural and artificial ponds
Streams and rivers
Extractive Industries
Public lands
11
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10. TABULATED RESULTS OF DATA COLLECTED
10.1 Land Use
Land use activities are described in Section 9.1.2 as they generally
relate to geologic and soils development in the Genesee Watershed. Tables
3 a,b,c present the detailed breakdown of land use activities for the
basin by subwatersheds as they were sampled during the study.
10.2 Estimation of Study Year Loadings of Phosphorus, Sediment and
Chloride
Annual loadings of total phosphorus, suspended sediment and
chloride were estimated for two study years (1975 - June 2* 1975 to
May 31, 1976 and 1976 - June 1, 1976 to May 31, 1977) for six main stem
stations and 19 tributary stations in the Genesee watershed. The
method of calcuation utilized Beale's ratio estimator as modified by
Clark (IJC, 1977b). The computer program was obtained from John Clark
and used without modification. The chemical data sets representing
samples collected at biweekly or monthly intervals were stratified at
the 85th stream discharge percentile. For a first approximation, this
cutoff point seems to minimize the mean square error (MSB) of the
estimate. Figures 5-7 compare MSE and cutoff percentile for three
selected sampling stations. The curves can hardly be described as
having a true minimum, but an 85 percent cutoff seems to generally
yield the lowest MSE for the three parameters studied.
Tables 4 a,b show the calculated phosphorus, sediment and
chloride annual loads, MSE and the percent each load is of the loading
at the mouth of the Genesee River for study years 1975 and 1976, respec-
tively. Figures 8-10 show the unit loadings (kg/ha/yr) upstream of
each sampling point for phosphorus, sediment and chloride for the two
years. This diagram is not drawn to scale and represents the watershed
only in a schematic fashion. Tables 5 a-1 provide calculated annual
loads of all monitored parameters for 1975 and 1976 at the continuous
flow stations. Table 6 shows the ratio of winter to summer (May through
October) loadings of the three primary parameters, and 1975 stream
discharge.
Estimates of material dredged from Rochester Harbor by the US Army
Corps of Engineers (Greener, 1977) are 174,200 tonnes and 124,000 tonnes
for the two study years. These estimates represent 17.2 percent and
22.8 percent of the total sediment load delivered at the mouth of the
12
-------
Table 3a. GENESEE RIVER BASIN LAND USE SUMMARY
Genesee River Main Stem
Land Use
Watershed *
Wellevllle
Transit Bridge
Portageville
Mt. Morris
Avon
Rochester
(RC ft E)
Cropland
32.3"
24,200
28.5
42,580
30.3
77,000
35.3
129,600
39.9
172,300
44.7
284,500
Pasture Residential
3.6
2,700
3.6
5,380
4.1
10,420
4.8
17,620
5.1
22,000
4.2
26,700
2.3
1,720
4.0
5,980
3.6
9,140
3.6
13,200
4.2
18,100
6.0
38,200
Commercial- Outdoor
Industrial Forest Recreation Wetlands
.3
220
.5
750
.3
760
.8
2,940
.9
3,000
2.6
16,500
49.6
37,150
53.8
80,380
54.9
139,500
47.5
174,300
42.1
181,800
33.8
215,100
.2
300
.2
510
2.1
7,700
1.9
8,200
1.5
9,550
4.9
3,670
2.4
3,580
2.4
6,100
2.6
9,540
2.6
11,200
4.1
26,100
Inland
Water
.3
220
.3
450
.2
510
.3
1,100
.6
2,600
.7
4,450
Misc.
6.7
. 5,020
6.7
10,000
4.0
10,160
3.0
11,000
2.7
11,700
2.4
15,300
Tot.
Area
100.C
74,900
100.0
149,400
100.0
254,100
100.0
367,000
100.0
431 ,800
100.0
636,400
* Key to subwatershed map - Figure 1,
*» Percent of Basin
Area - Hectares
-------
Table 3b. GENESEE RIVER BASIN LAND USE SUMMARY
Canaaeraga Creek
Land Use
Watershed *
Sugar Cr.
Poaga Hole
Stony Br.
Mill Cr.
DansTllle-
Rt. 436
Groreland
Bradner-
Rt. 36
Bradner-
Ploneer Rd.
Keahequa-
Nuoda
Keabequa-
Tuacarora
Kesbequa-
Sonyea
Shakers
Crossing
at mouth
Cropland
28.0»»
1,390
26.2
6,110
41,5
2,230
44.2
4,110
32. A
12,800
35.1
16,500
49.0
940
50.6
5,360
17.2
1,450
30.9
4,700
34.0
6,060
35.6
30,700
35.6
30,800
Pasture Residential
3.6
170
4.5
1,050
6.0
320
11.7
1,090
6.7
2,650
7.6
3,560
14.3
280
8.7
920
9.4
790
9.6
1,460
9.0
1,600
8.4
7,240
6.4
7,260
.5
30
1.0
230
.5
30
5.8
540
2.3
910
2.8
1,310
.5
50
6.6
550
4.0
610
3.3
590
2.9
2,500
2.9
2,500
Commercial- Outdoor
Industrial Forest Recreation
.1
20
5.3
490
1.7
670
2.3
1,080
1.0
20
1.3
140
1.3
110
.8
120
.7
130
1.8
1,540
1.8
1,560
66.9
3,320
64.5
15,030
46.0
2,480
23.6
2,200
51.2
20,300
47.2
22,100
33.7
650
36.3
3,850
61.3
5,150
52.3
7,950
50.4
8,980
46.6
40,200
46.7
40,300
.5
120
3.5
190
1.2
480
1.1
520
.8
90
.4
60
.3
50
1.0
860
.9
780
Wetlands
.5
30
1.0
230
.5
30
3.6
330
1.5
600
1.3
610
.5
50
2.5
210
1.2
180
1.0
180
1.5
1,280
1.5
1,300
Inland
Water
.5
30
1.2
280
.5
30
2.2
210
1.3
520
1.1
520
1.3
110
.6
90
.5
90
.7
600
.7
600
Misc.
1.0
230
1.5
80
3.6
330
1.7
670
1.5
700
2.0
40
1.3
140
.4
30
.2
30
.8
140
1.5
1,280
1.5
1,300
Tot.
Area
100.0
4,970
100.0
23,300
100.0
5,390
100.0
9,300
100.0
39,600
100.0
46,900
100.0
1,930
100.0
10,600
100.0
8,400
100.0
15,200
100.0
17,820
100.0
86,200
100.0
86,400
* K«7 to watershed Bap - Figure 1,
•• Percent of Basin
Area - Hectares
-------
Table 3c. GENESEE RIVER BASIN LAND USE SUMMARY
Oatka Creek
Land Use
Watershed"
Rock Glen
Warsaw
Pearl Cr.
Oatka •
Pearl Cr.
Pavilion
Mad Cr.
Garbutt
at nouth
Cropland
52.3«»
2, HO
44.2
4,820
59.5
1,680
45.5
9,510
50.7
14,550
79.3
2,080
55.3
29,200
55.9
31,100
Pasture Residential
2.3
90
5.3
580
9.5
270
8.0
1,670
7.8
2,240
.9
20
5.8
3,050
5.7
3,190
.5
20
2.3
250
2.2
460
2.1
600
1.9
1,000
1.9
1,060
Commercial- Outdoor
Industrial Forest Recreation
42
1,730
40.8
4,450
31.0
870
38.8
6,110
.1 34.5
30 9,900
.9 14.2
20 380
.2 30.8
100 16,300
.3 30.3
170 16,800
1.4
150
.7
150
.7
200
.9
20
1.0
520
.9
500
Inland
Wetlands Water
2.9
120
6.0
650
4.5
940
3.9
1,120
3.8
100
4.0 .2
2,110 100
3.9 .2
2,170 1tO
Tot.
Misc. Area
100.0
4,100
100.0
10,900
100.0
2,820
.3 100.0
60 20,900
.2 100.0
60 28,700
100.0
2,620
.8 100.0
420 52,800
.9 100.0
500 55,600
* Key to watershed map - Figure 1,
** Percent of Basin
Area - Hectares
-------
s
KNEtEE RIVER AT AVON
f/«/T»-S/»l/TT
loo M M
CANAKRAOA CREEK
AT SHAKER* CROSSIN*
100 M K>
to n
HKCEMTILE
•0 •» «0
•CNESEE RIVER
AT PORTA6EVILLE
TOT P
CL
TSS
IQO H M
10 T
rllKINTILC
TO «> (0 M H
Figures 5-7.
Mean square error vs cutoff percentile for total phosphorus,
chloride and suspended solids for the Genesee River at Avon,
Canaseraga Creek at Shakers Crossing, and the Genesee River
at Portageville.
16
-------
Table Aa. STUDY TEAR 1975 LOADINGS OF
TOTAL PHOSPHOROS, SUSPENDED SOLIDS
AND CHLORIDE (tonnea/year)
STATIOH**
G/Roehecter
G/Avon
G/Ht. Morrla
G/PortageTllle
G/Tranalt Bridge
G/Wellaville
Black Creek
0/Garbutt
0/PaTillon
0/Pearl Creak
0/Varaaw
0/Rock Glen
Mad Creek
Pearl Creek
C/Sbakera Croaalng
C/Groveland
C/Rt. 436
C/Poags Hole
C/Cralg Colony
K/Tuacarora
K/Nuoda
B/Rt. 36
Mill Creek
Stony Brook
Sugar Creek
LOAD
813.17
441.13
403.39
190.58
74.88
17.62
5.45
15.90
13.53
8.93
10.21
1.22
.33
3.08
76.63
48.09
23.01
11.11
13.63
7.78
5.66
1.15
5.25
.55
.83
TOTAL P
SMSE
104.42
59.82
46.45
22.48
2.43
9.32
1.10
3.87
4.87
.79
4.45
.44
.01
1.48
23.01
11.60
5.91
2.14
3.84
1.61
1.31
.31
1.02
.27
.16
•SMSE = /Man aquared error
•• Key: G = Geneaee River
0 a Oatka Creek
C = Canaaaraga
Creek
X a Keahe
B = Bradn
TOTAL SOS SOL
CHLORIDE
itHOOTH
MAP
< MOPTH
LOAD
100.00
54.25
49.61
23.44
9.21
2.17
.67
1.96
1.66
1.10
1.26
.15
.04
.38
9.42
5.91
2.83
1.37
1.68
.96
.70
.14
.65
.07
.10
1,014,350
640,755
803,865
264,333
78,758
4,663
1,240
5,513
3,839
2,609
8,667
833
58
2,041
75,217
108,128
37,616
16,303
15,611
11,303
6,952
834
8,253
981
611
190,926
113,879
185,911
25,391
5,126
844
311
1,451
1,509
220
2,658
319
4
1,126
38,408
44,803
10,658
3,814
3,075
2,559
2,173
265
1,300
684
151
100.00
63.17
79.25
26.06
7.76
.46
.12
.54
.38
.26
.86
.08
.01
.20
7.42
10.66
3.71
1.61
1.54
1.11
.69
.08
.81
.10
.06
126,812
71,076
29,110
19,049
12,364
5,090
4,991
10,083
5,474
3,419
1,760
879
304
392
7,827
3,895
2,553
958
1,247
1,089
601
134
790
283
240
10,741
6,233
2,221
1,854
460
461
215
307
426
125
118
55
2
22
336
516
187
67
116
72
42
7
56
29
21
< MODTH
100.00
56.05
22.96
15.02
9:75
4.01
3.94
7.95
4.32
2.70
1.39
.69
.24
.31
6.17
3.07
2.01
.76
.98
.86
.47
.01
.62
.22
.19
-------
Table 4b. STUDY TEAR 1976 LOADINGS OF
TOTAL PHOSPHORUS, SUSPENDED SOLIDS
AND CHLORIDE (tonnes/year)
STATION t
LOAD
00
G/Rocbeeter
G/Avon
G/Mt. Morrla
G/PortageTlUe
G/Traiisit Bridge
G/WellBville
Black Creek**
0/Garbutt
0/Pavilion
0/Pearl Creek**
0/Waraaw
0/Rock Glen
Mad Creek
Pearl Creek
C/Shakera Crossing
C/Groveland
C/Rt. 436**
C/Poag« Hole
C/Cralg Colony
K/Tuacarora
K/Nunda
B/Rt. 36
Mill Creek
Stony Brook
Sugar Creek
523.56
330.70
319.18
126.68
34.88
11.55
26.16
11.50
3.40
1.20
.43
.30
17.52
9.40
1.92
1.70
1.50
.74
.19
2.86
.58
.09
51.60
50.90
65.01
3.96
.99
1.80
.43
.21
.99
.28
.01
.18
1.02
2.25
.09
.11
.16
.06
.09
.58
.31
.01
•SMSE = /Bean squared error
••Not sampled In 1976
TOTAL P
SMSE*
51.60
50.90
65.01
3.96
.99
1.80
.43
.21
.99
.28
.01
.18
1.02
2.25
.09
.11
.16
.06
.09
.58
.31
.01
tKey: G =
0 =
C =
< MOUTH
100.00
63.16
60.97
24.20
6.66
2.21
5.00
2.20
.65
.23
.08
.06
3.35
1.80
.37
.33
.29
.14
.04
.55
.11
.02
Ceneaee Hirer
Oatka Creek
Canaaeraga Creek
LOAD
544,426
475,553
403,982
154,260
46,408
7,248
10,051
3,993
3,679
730
83
212
32,699
22,768
1,906
980
2,195
766
60
3,915
761
34
K =
B =
TOTAL SUS SOL
CHLORIDE
t MOUTH LOAD
64,204 100.00 112,045
65,701 87.35 65,098
86,625 74.20 24,275
2,408 28.33 12,361
804 8.52 7,809
838 1.33 3,250
105 1.85 6,329
106 .73 3,499
1,681 .68 1,377
224 .13 737
3 .02 286
23 .04 377
1,068 6.01 5,055
2,200 4.18 2,415
81 .35 711
77 .18 869
259 .40 764
47 .14 418
27 .01 90
684 .72 615
537 .14 249
3 .01 86
22,014
8,752
1,134
702
100
190
181
68
327
181
1
126
154
111
26
16
14
15
7
47
23
5
% MODTH
100.00
58.10
21.67
11.03
6.97
2.90
5.65
3.12
1.23
.66
.26
.34
4.51
2.16
.64
.78
.68
.37
.08
.55
.22
.08
K = Keahequa Creek
bier's Creek
-------
LAKE
ONTARIO
BLACK CREEK
TOTAL P
Gross Unit
Loads
(kg/ha/yr)
CANASERAGA
CREEK
Figure 8. Total phosphorus - gross unit load.
19
-------
LAKE
ONTARIO
BLACK CREEK
SS
Gross Unit
Loads
(kg/ha /yr)
CANASERAGA
CREEK
Figure 9. Suspended solids - gross unit loads.
20
-------
LAKE
ONTARIO
BLACK CREEK
CHLORIDE
Gross Unit
Loads
(kg/ha/yr)
1975
1976
CANASERAGA
CREEK
Figure 10. Chloride - gross unit loads.
21
-------
TABLE 5a. GENESEE RIVER AT ROCHESTER CONSTITUENT LOADING (tonnes/year) .
Parameter
Orthophosphorus
Particulate Phosphorus
Dissolved Phosphorus
Soluble Kjeldahl Nitrogen
Particulate Kjeldahl Nitrogen
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate
Dissolved Organic Carbon
Particulate Organic Carbon
Chloride
Silica
Sulfate
Iron
Potassium
Sodium
Calcium
Magnesium
Aluminum
Total Suspended Solids
*SMSE = mean squared error
Load
88.9
686.
127.
24,700,000
1,770
680.
47,200
3,630
15,900
13,100
126,000
13,700
194,000
21,500
12,600
67,800
146,000
40,400
335,000
991,000
22
1975
SMSE*
8.36
106.
12.9
1,770,000
242.
77.4
4,840
253.
1,760
2,100
10,700
742.
12,900
4,860
2,100
5,950
8,650
2,370
21,100
191,000
LOAD
75.4
417.
107.
16,800,000
575.
509.
49,000
2,400
15,600
8,040
112,000
10,400
148,000
11,000
12,500
61,100
135,000
30,300
284,000
544,000
1976
SMSE
9.01
57.5
11.8
699,000
48.3
64.0
2,750
118.
1,120
464.
22,000
668.
7,790
3,150.
1,830
12,400
6,580
1,390
14,600
64,200
-------
TABLE 5b. GENESEE RIVER AT AVON CONSTITUENT LOADING (tonnes/year).
Parameter
Orthophosphorus
Particulate Phosphorus
Dissolved Phosphorus
Soluble Kjeldahl Nitrogen
Particulate Kjeldahl Nitrogen
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate
Dissolved Organic Carbon
Particulate Organic Carbon
Chloride
Silica
Sulfate
Iron
Potassium
Sodium
Calcium
Magnesium
Aluminum
Total Suspended Solids
Load
30.2
395.
46.4
10,600,000
926.
230.
24,500
3,890
9,440
6,380
71,100
8,990
66,100
14,100
8,120
38,500
69,700
19,400
187,000
641,000
1975
SMSE*
5.58
59.6
5.95
1,020,000
141.
37.1
2,130
1,440
797.
831.
6,230
422.
2,720
2,600
1,390
4,000
2,440
870.
7,450
114,000
LOAD
18.3
304.
27.1
6,880,000
457.
131.
20,700
1,280
174.
4,660
65,100
6,690
45,200
5,570
8,480
36,400
53,800
13,400
130,000
468,000
1976
SMSE
1.13
49.7
1.43
491,000
86.6
8.89
1,780
76.5
9.180
367.
8,750
422.
1,990
270.
1,400
4,340
3,240
703.
12,000
60,800
*SMSE = mean squared error
23
-------
TABLE 5c. GENESEE RIVER AT MT. MORRIS CONSTITUENT LOADING (tonnes/year) .
Parameter
Orthophosphorus
Particulate Phosphorus
Dissolved Phosphorus
Soluble Kjeldahl Nitrogen
Particulate Kjeldahl Nitrogen
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate
Dissolved Organic Carbon
Particulate Organic Carbon
Chloride
Silica
Sulfate
Iron
Potassium
Sodium
Calcium
Magnesium
Aluminum
Total Suspended Solids
Load
20.6
373.
30.0
9,900,000
6,490
136.
16,800
1,920
7,580
5,740
29,100
8,410
58,000
12,200
6,020
16,700
60,100
16,100
158,000
801,000
1975
SMSE*
2.31
46.6
2.26
642,000
6,770
16.6
1,470
189.
868.
1,170
2,220
355.
2,140
2,320
1,040
1,130
2,530
592.
8,970
180,000
LOAD
14.4
296.
23.5
5,450,000
392.
130.
18,800
1,210
4,350
3,350
24,300
5,800
41,300
10,100
6,770
13,800
51,900
12,700
128,000
404,000
1976
SMSE
1.58
66.1
1.97
1,130,000
77.1
7.15
1,190
112.
7,260
663.
1,130
379.
840.
1,700
272.
496.
1,150
393.
3,260
86,600
*SMSE = mean squared error
24
-------
TABLE 5d. KESHEQUA CREEK AT CRAIG COLONY (TRIBUTARY TO CANASERAGA
CONSTITUENT LOADING (tonnes/year).
Parameter
Orthophosphorus
Particulate Phosphorus
Dissolved Phosphorus
Soluble Kjeldahl Nitrogen
Particulate Kjeldahl Nitrogen
Aimonia
Nitrite
Nitrate
Dissolved Organic Carbon
Particulate Organic Carbon
Chloride
Silica
Sulfate
Iron
Potassium
Sodium
Calcium
Magnesium
Aluminum
Total Suspended Solids
Load
1.12
12.1
1.52
23,900
18.5
6.88
648.
75.2
336.
198.
1,290
213.
2,770.
362.
284.
724.
2,820
941.
7,740
14,200
1975
SMSE*
0.240
3.76
0.320
2,950
4.44
1.01
78.1
6.54
32.3
72.3
144.
162.
542.
86.2
51.6
44.1
722.
57.4
510.
3,010
LOAD
1.37
1.20
0.500
5,680
2.45
1.38
299.
34.9
111.
36.9
870.
230.
2,560
44.1
162.
536.
2,480
707.
6,110
980.
1976
SMSE
0.04
0.06
0.06
70.7
0.13
0.11
27.2
2.01
140.
1.13
16.5
8.20
35.1
1.58
2.78
7.46
36.2
9.97
69.9
77.7
*SMSE == mean squared error
25
-------
TABLE 5e. CANASERAGA CREEK AT POAG'S HOLE CONSTITUENT LOADING (tonnes/year) .
Parameter
Orthophosphorus
Particulate Phosphorus
Dissolved Phosphorus
Soluble Kjeldahl Nitrogen
Particulate Kjeldahl Nitrogen
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate
Dissolved Organic Carbon
Particulate Organic Carbon
Chloride
Silica
Sulfate
Iron
Potassium
Sodium
Calcium
Magnesium
Aluminum
Total Suspended Solids
Load
0.606
10.0
1.07
33,600
23.8
4.05
184.
79.3
407.
209.
1,010
466.
2,580
316.
207.
545.
3,280
856.
7,890
18,100
1975
SMSE*
0.08
2.03
0.16
6,300
4.19
0.56
102.
8.22
45.4
54.7
61,2
1,100
51.0
40.8
38.1
18.5
335.
77.4
374.
4,450
LOAD
0.145
1.40
0.513
9,830
6.30
1.92
410.
46.0
251.
53.4
712.
266.
2,110
54.9
130.
430.
1,670
566.
6,250
1,910
1976
SMSE
0.02
0.07
0.03
81.5
0.58
0.11
5^.7
2.29
12.4
1.45
26.7
18.2
21.5
2.00
3.32
19.0
507.
18.8
130.
81.6
*SMSE = mean squared error
26
-------
TABLE 5f. CANASERAGA CREEK AT ROUTE 436 CONSTITUENT LOADING (tonnes/year).
Parameter
Orthophosphorus
Particulate Phosphorus
Dissolved Phosphorus
Soluble Kjeldahl Nitrogen
Particulate Kjeldahl Nitrogen
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate
Dissolved Organic Carbon
Particulate Organic Carbon
Chloride
Silica
Sulfate
Iron
Potassium
Sodium
Calcium
Magnesium
Aluminum
Total Suspended Solids
Load
1.44
20.7
2.31
177,000
49.6
7.85
858.
158.
730.
432.
2,600
738.
5,560
578.
383.
1,280
7,280
1,980
18,200
40,900
1975 1976**
SMSE* LOAD SMSE
0.45
5.51
0.68
66,200
14.1
1.92
64.6
14.9
115.
286.
218.
3,220
264.
180.
83.2
72.6
424.
122.
2,140
12,100
*SMSE = mean squared error
**Not sampled in 1976
27
-------
TABLE 5g. CANASERAGA CREEK AT SHAKERS CROSSING CONSTITUENT LOADING (tonnes/year)
Parameter
Orthophosphorus
Particulate Phosphorus
Dissolved Phosphorus
Soluble Kjeldahl Nitrogen
Particulate Kjeldahl Nitrogen
Aimonia
Nitrite .
Nitrate
Dissolved Organic Carbon
Particulate Organic Carbon
Chloride
Silica
Sulfate
Iron
Potassium
Sodium
Calcium
Magnesium
Aluminum
Total Suspended Solids
Load
8.06
66.4
10.3
561,000
131.
48.1
5,340
460.
1,610
1,890
7,840
2,060
17,000
1,650
1,230
4,200
16,700
5,320
47,000
64,100
1975
SMSE*
1.50
22.2
1.77
63,200
41.2
6.10
410.
64.3
188.
1,150
338.
87.7
987.
862.
290.
224.
665.
307.
2,860
35,100
LOAD
2.86
12.7
4.84
103,000
32.2
26.4
3,510
233.
1,630
247.
5,050
1,430
11,200
361.
690.
2,860
12,900
3,350
32,800
30,100
1976
SMSE
0.24
0.85
0.44
1,320
2.85
3.27
357.
11.4
215.
88.9
170.
74.8
622.
87.9
59.8
106.
228.
190.
603.
2,520
*SMSE = mean squared error
28
-------
TABLE 5h. OATKA CPEEK AT WARSAW CONSTITUENT LOADING (tonnes/year).
Parameter
Orthophosphorus
Particulate Phosphorus
Dissolved Phosphorus
Soluble Kjeldahl Nitrogen
Particulate Kjeldahl Nitrogen
Armenia
Nitrite
Nitrate
Dissolved Organic Carbon
Particulate Organic Carbon
Chloride
Silica
Sulfate
Iron
Potassium
Sodium
Calcium
Magnesium
Aluminum
Total Suspended Solids
Load
0.747
9.05
1.16
15,200
37.5
2.87
455.
89.0
399.
230.
1,760
308.
1,820
106.
116.
872.
2,290
505.
5,750
8,670
1975
SMSE*
0.16
4.31
0.18
2,780
19.1
0.30
34.6
4.63
82.2
112.
119.
15.8
39.0
45.8
15.5
49.4
55.6
17.2
230.
2,660
LOAD
0.423
2.77
0.630
16,600
5.59
2.96
449.
69.1
232.
77.7
1,380
82.1
1,260
52.0
120.
735.
1,990
377.
4,550
3,510
1976
SMSE
0.08
1.04
0.06
8,630
2.22
0.64
37.5
10.6
27.7
30.5
327.
244.
10.3
17.5
9.18
198.
196.
38.5
887.
1,690
*SMSE = mean squared error
29
-------
TABLE 5i. OATKA CREEK AT GAFBOTT CONSTITUENT LOADING (tonnes/year) .
Parameter
Orthophosphorus
Particulate Phosphorus
Dissolved Phosphorus
Soluble Kjeldahl Nitrogen
Particulate Kjeldahl Nitrogen
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate
Dissolved Organic Carbon
Particulate Organic Carbon
Chloride
Silica
Sulfate
Iron
Potassium
Sodium
Calcium
Magnesium
Aluminum
Total Suspended Solids
Load
5.09
8.81
7.09
146,000
42.6
20.1
3,380
533.
1,220
361.
10,100
1,300
38,300
133.
655.
4,730
19,500
4,070
43,300
5,360
1975
SMSE*
0.48
3.35
0.66
11,000
11.6
2.67
274.
13.8
73.5
127.
308.
53.0
2,510
31.8
44.1
187.
783.
245.
652.
1,460
LOAD
3.23
21.2
5.01
249,000
81.7
11.3
2,740
281.
1,090
596.
6,330
837.
27,700
250.
709.
3,290
16,700
3,050
29,600
10,100
1976
SMSE
0.19
0.26
0.24
728.
1.08
1.05
153.
5.30
43.9
11.0
182.
49.1
1,470
5.33
10.2
74.1
972.
44.5
608.
105.
*SMSE = mean squared error
30
-------
TABLE 5j. BLACK OREEK CONSTITUENT LOADING (tonnes/year) .
Parameter
Orthophosphorus
Particulate Phosphorus
Dissolved Phosphorus
Soluble Kjeldahl Nitrogen
Particulate Kjeldahl Nitrogen
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate
Dissolved Organic Carbon
Particulate Organic Carbon
Chloride
Silica
Sulfate
Iron
Potassium
Sodium
Calcium
Magnesium
Aluminum
Total Suspended Solids
Load
2.12
1.54
3.91
49,600
11.6
7.73
2,130
221.
924.
77.9
4,990
659.
21,200
34.2
304.
2,130
9,050
2,740
21,300
1,240
1975 1976**
SMSE* LOAD SMSE
0.40
0.62
0.61
7,410
2.79
1.59
267.
25.7
91.2
17.1
216.
54.4
1,910
6.45
23.3
149.
639.
164.
695.
311.
*SMSE = mean squared error
**Not sampled in 1976
31
-------
TABLE 5k. GENESEE RIVER AT WELLSVILLE CONSTITUENT LOADING (tonnes/year).
Parameter
Orthophosphorus
Particulate Phosphorus
Dissolved Phosphorus
Soluble Kjeldahl Nitrogen
Particulate Kjeldahl Nitrogen
Armenia
Nitrite
Nitrate
Dissolved Organic Carbon
Particulate Organic Carbon
Chloride
Silica
Sulfate
Iron
Potassium
Sodium
Calcium
Magnesium
Aluminum
Total Suspended Solids
Load
2.83
12.1
5.49
911,000
16.1
18.7
2,140
299.
1,400
357.
5,060
946.
6,380
166.
532.
2,320
4,400
1,380
12,000
4,660
1975
SMSE*
0.41
9.22
0.45
305,000
7.25
1.35
323.
55.3
129.
68.7
504.
2,550
160.
31.7
29.4
135.
216.
63.5
1,100
844.
LOAD
2.13
8.01
3.54
241,000
26.1
27.5
1,620
341.
960.
196.
3,250
1,070
4,610
167.
469.
1,600
3,210
998.
8,070
7,250
1976
SMSE
0.24
1.64
0.20
8,230
3.29
0.90
125.
19.9
40.2
12.0
190.
93.4
54.4
44.3
23.4
68.4
90.9
17.6
392.
838.
*SMSE = mean squared error
32
-------
TABLE 51. GENESEE RIVER AT PORTAGEVHLE CONSTITUENT LOADING (tonnes/year).
Parameter
Orthophosphorus
Particulate Phosphorus
Dissolved Phosphorus
Soluble Kjeldahl Nitrogen
Particulate Kjeldahl Nitrogen
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate
Dissolved Organic Carbon
Particulate Organic Carbon
Chloride
Silica
Sulfate
Iron
Potassium
Sodium
Calcium
Magnesium
Aluminum
Total Suspended Solids
Load
14.6
169.
21.6
6,000,000
358.
87.3
10,800
1,500
5,250
3,380
19,000
6,200
33,000
4,970
3,220
9,900
35,800
8,880
89,300
252,000
1975
SMSE*
1.36
22.0
1.53
360,000
29.1
11.6
607.
182.
281.
330.
1,850
216.
647.
553.
321.
930.
662.
289.
2,490
25,900
LOAD
8.57
111.
15.5
4,940,000
229.
70.0
10,400
1,150
5,200
1,780
12,400
3,770
23,900
2,820
3,910
7,450
30,000
6,810
71,700
154,000
1976
SMSE
0.63
3.31
0.77
106,000
4.87
4.37
668.
35.1
228.
21.0
702.
234.
488.
146.
98.4
236.
665.
155.
2,300
2,410
*SMSE = mean squared error
33
-------
Table 6. RATIO OF WINTER TO SUMMER LOADS AND STREAM FLOW*
STUDY YEAR 1975
Stream
Station
Genesee River
Rochester
Avon
Mt. Morris
Portageville
Transit Bridge
Wellsville
Black Creek
Churchville
Oatka Creek
Garbutt
Pavilion
at Pearl Creek
Warsaw
Rock Glen
Mad Creek
Pearl Creek
Canaseraga Creek
Shaker's Crossing
Grove land
Dansville
Poag's Hole
Keshequa Creek
Sonyea
Tuscarora
Nunda
Bradner's Creek
at Pioneer Road
at Route 36
Mill Creek
Stony Brook
Sugar Creek
Tot.P
CW/7.S)
68/32
76/24
78/22
79/21
82/18
81/19
88/12
94/6
96/4
91/9
98/2
90/10
97/3
96/4
67/33
92/8
73/27
26/74
93/7
58/42
57/43
24/76
84/16
16/84
2/98
79/21
Cl
(7.W/7.S)
66/34
66/34
68/32
76/24
72/28
74/26
80/20
80/20
86/14
88/12
86/14
60/40
89/11
64/36
74/26
77/23
68/32
66/34
73/27
62/38
58/42
62/38
73/27
47/53
49/51
72/28
TSS
(7.W/7.S)
77/23
76/24
73/27
88/12
87/13
69/31
94/6
98/2
98/2
95/5
99/1
92/8
98/2
96/4
76/24
70/30
77/23
30/70
88/12
55/45
64/36
21/79
85/15
14/86
3/97
77/23
Flow
(7.W/7.S)
65/35
72/28
70/30
75/25
75/25
75/25
84/16
85/15
91/9
90/10
88/12
64/36
92/8
72/28
75/25
78/22
71/29
64/36
78/22
65/35
61/39
50/50
72/28
48/52
60/40
74/26
* . Summer is defined as May through October,
Tot. P is total phosphorus, Cl is Chloride,
TSS is total suspended solids and Flow is
stream discharge. Units are percentage of total
load or discharge.
34
-------
river each year.
The influence of runoff events on water quality in the Genesee
watershed is significant. At the seven sites where adequate stream
discharge and suspended sediment records exist, approximately two-
thirds of the water and over ninety percent of the suspended sediment
are discharged during runoff events. In contrast, runoff events occur
for only one day out of three.
10.3 Inventory of Point Discharges in the Genesee River Basin
There are 120 identified point source discharges in the Genesee
Basin. Figure 11 and Table 7 (a&b) show the distribution and magnitude
of municipal and industrial discharges throughout the watershed. The
inventory of sources and loading estimates were developed from federal
and state permit and monitoring data. Where data on waste flows were
not identified from the permits or monitoring activities, estimates for
the various parameters were derived from literature values. Combined
sewer overflow (CSO) data were obtained from the Monroe County combined
sewer overflow study .(Anonymous, 1976).
10.3.1 Upstream Point Source Discharges
The area of the Genesee watershed south of Rochester has 93 point
source discharges. Figure 11 shows the distribution of these discharges
as they correspond to the major sub-basins sampled during the field study.
Of the 93 wastewater discharges upstream of Rochester, 60 are muni-
cipal and 33 are industrial. The total municipal flow is 22 million
gallons per day (MGD) and the total industrial flow is 3 MGD, though much
of the industrial flow is cooling water or groundwater discharge. Phos-
phorus and suspended solids contributions from industrial wastewater
are both less than one percent of the load discharged at Rochester.
Industrial chloride load is a significantly higher percent because of a
salt mine discharge. The salt mine was closed for part of 1975 but
discharged 17,000 tonnes of chloride or 13 percent of the total chloride
load that year. At full operation (1976) the chloride load was 43,000
tonnes or 38 percent of the total river load. Municipal wastewater
contributes less than one percent of the suspended solids and chloride,
and eight percent of the phosphorus load measured at Rochester.
10.3.2
Within the Rochester city limits and upstream of the Rochester sam-
pling station, there are 27 point source discharges. Ten point sources
are on the New York State Barge Canal, including nine oil terminal yard
drains (storm drains with oil separators) and one cooling water dis-
charge .
35
-------
LAKE
ONTARIO
OATKA CREEK
14 DUthtrfO
CITY or
"X. ROCHESTER
M MtdWTM*
GENESEE RIVER
BASIN
Figure 11. Genesee River Basin - point discharges.
36
-------
Upper Baein
TOTAL
table 7a. On**** HiTer Watershed
Inventory ot Point Dischargee
Municipal
Central
Size*
< 0.01
0.01-0.1
0.1-1.0
> 1.0
Sub-total
Basin
< 0.01
0.01-0.1
0.1-1.0
> 1.0
Sub-total
Nunber
•7
1
0
1
9
3
3
4
0
1C
Discharge*
.2
.1
-
1.0
1.3
< .01
.2
2.0
-
2.2
Suspended
Solide"
21.1
4.8
-
119.5
145.4
< .1
21.6
84.2
-
105.8
FhoephoruB**
1.6
.7
-
4.0
6.3
< .1
1.0
11.0
-
12.0
Chloride**
9.4
4-0
-
46.9
60.3
./.
6.8
88.7
-
95.9
CanaMraga Creek
< 0.01
0.01-0.1
0.1-1.0
> 1.0
Sub-total
0
0
4
1
5
_
_
1.3
1.1
2.4
.
_
58.1
28.0
86.1
^
_
3.3
3.5
6.8
_
_
57.2
47.4
104.6
Oatka Creek
< 0.01
0.01-0.1
0.1-1.0
> 1.0
Sub-total
3
2
2
1
8
< .01
.1
1.5
1.1
2.7
.5
.6
120.2
72.7
194.0
.1
.3
5.0
1.3
6.7
.6
2.4
67.9
49.2
120.1
Lower Basin
City of
fiWKKVT.
< 0.01
0.01-0.1
0.1-1.0
> 1.0
Sub-total
Rochester
< 0.01
0.01-0.1
0.1-1.0
> 1.0
Sub-total
RIVER BASIN
< 0.01
0.01-0.1
0.1-1.0
> 1.0
13
8
6
1
28
0
1
9
2
12
19
19
28
6
.1
.2
1.6
11.4
13.3
_
.07
4.4
32.0
36.5
.04
.65
11.1
46.6
20.3
25.6
56.5
1049.3
1151.7
_
7.0
405.0
1309.1
1721.1
2.3
64.9
758.2
2578.6
.9
2.0
6.3
20.7
29.9
_
.2
17.9
37.2
55.3
.4
4.4
45.5
66.7
6.5
10.9
73.3
509.4
600.1
_
225.1
11297.9t
4837.1
16360.1
1.7
251.0
11598.4
5490.0
72
58.4
3404.0
• flow In Billion gallon, per day (MOD). 1 MOD = 0.044 B3/*ee.
*• tonnee/yeax.
t th> large chloride load 1* primarily dm to etreet •altinf.
lote: Total* may not add up exactly due to rounding errors.
117.0
17341.1
37
-------
Upper Basin
TOTAL
Table 7b. Geneeee River Watershed
Inventory of Point Dischargee
Industrial
Size*
< 0.01
0.01-0.1
0.1-1.0
> 1.0
Sub-total
Central Basin
< 0.01
0.01-0.1
0.1-1.0
> 1.0
Sub-total
Canaeeraga Creek
< 0.01
0.01-0.1
0.1-1.0
> 1.0
Sub-total
Oatka Creek
< 0.01
0.01-0.1
0.1-1.0
> 1.0
Sub-total
lover Basin
< 0.01
0.01-0.1
0.1-1.0
> 1.0
Sub-total
City of Boebeater
< 0.01
0.01-0.1
0.1-1.0
> 1.0
Sub- total
GEKESEE RIVER BASIN
< 0.01
0.01-0.1
0.1-1.0
> 1.0
Runber
5
1
1
0
7
3
1
3
0
7
0
1
1
0
2
3
3
0
0
6
5
3
3
0
11
10
1
1
3
15
24
12
9
3
Discharge*
« .01
.01
.2
-
.2
< .01
.01
.7
—
.7
_
.01
.2
-
.2
.01
.1
_
-
.1
.01
.1
1.0
-
1.1
* .01
.01
.1
100.2
100.4
.03
.25
2.3
100.2
Suspended
Solids"
4.3
.2
18.1
22.6
.1
< .1
35.5
-
35.6
—
< .1
< .1
-
< .1
.8
38.0
-
38.8
87.9
1.3
1.5
-
$0.7
< .1
< .1
< .1
413. 5
413-5
5.3
127.3
55.1
41?.5
HiosphoruB**
_
_
-
-
_
< .1
1.1
-
1.1
_
< .1
< .1
< .1
< .1
< .1
-
< .1
_
< .1
< .1
-
< .1
< .1
< .1
< .1
t.l
1.1
< .1
< .1
1.1
1.1
Chloride'
-
_
.1
43091 .it
43091 .4
< .1
< .1
< .1
< .1
< .1
-
< .1
< .1
< .1
-
< .1
< .1
< .1
< .1
< .1
< .1
< .1
< .1
43091.4
< .1
46
102.fi
601.3
2.2
* flow IB Billion gallon* per day (HGD). 1 HBD = 0.044 «3/»ec. lot*: Totala may not add op
rounding errors.
•* tonnes/year.
•t the large chloride load ia primarily due to salt Bluing operation*.
43091.A
ictly due to
38
-------
There are ten CSO points within the City. The CSOs flow during
rainstorms, resulting in a mean rate of four to five MGD. Five industrial
discharges have a total flow of 100 MGD, 98 of which is power plant cool-
ing water.
Additionally, two municipal wastewater treatment plants discharge
effluent to the river in this reach. Combined flow equals 32 MGD.
The 27 point source discharges along the study reach in the City of
Rochester have a total flow of 137 MGD. The total loads to the Genesee
River are 22 percent of the phosphorus, less than one percent of the sus-
pended solids and 15 percent of the chloride load. Road salting activities
account for nearly all the chloride point source loads within the City.
10.4. Distribution of Net Unit Loads
If the regional variability of stream quality is to be assessed,
some estimate of net unit load (unit area load of the net change in
transport between adjacent stations) be made for each subwatershed.
The net unit load (Luj.) is defined as:
n
IK, - I L
n
-I A,
where:
Lj_ = gross load at sampling station i.
A^ = total area upstream of station i.
Lj = gross loads at next upstream station j.
AJ = areas upstream of station(s) j.
The net unit load (kg/ha/yr) can be positive or negative. Figures 12-
14 show the distribution of net unit loads for study year 1975 for total
phosphorus, chloride and suspended solids.
10.5 Delivery Ratio
PLUARG studies have attempted to quantify delivery ratio. Delivery
ratio is defined as the ratio of material delivered by a flowing waterway
to the material potentially available to be delivered by a waterway. The
difficulties in measuring overall delivery ratios have confined studies to
estimation of instream delivery ratio only, and a conservative assumption
that the instream delivery ratio is equal to 1; i.e., any material delivered
to a waterway is ultimately discharged to the Great Lakes.
39
-------
\
-------
1975
NET CHLORIDE
UNIT LOADS
(kg/ha/yr)
OOOOOOOt-CCOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOO
OOOOOOOCOOOOOOOOOOO
f i 0 OOOOO OOOOOOOOOOO
O O C GO O OOODO OOOOOOOO
O O O O O O O O C) O O O O O O O O O O
LJ Itss than 0
HB 0-50
51-100
101-200
greater than 200
Figure 13, Study year 1976 - net chloride unit loads.
41
-------
1975
NET SUSPEHDEO SOLIDS
UNIT LOADS
Uf/ho/yr)
MMMMMMM
iMttHIHHIH'
tost ttwnO
0-500
901-1000
1000-2000
LJ greater «>on 20OO
Figure 14. Study year 1975 - Net suspended solids unit loads.
42
-------
Estimates of potential river mouth loadings for the parameters of
concern were developed by constructing isopleth maps of unit area loads
for the Genesee watershed. The maps were drawn using data from the most
upstream station on a given stream. Sources of this data were the rou-
tine sampling network, a synoptic survey (Section 10.6.5), the DEC-IFYGL
Study (Hetling, Boulton and Carlson, 1979), the DEC Monitoring and Sur-
veillance Network (Maylath, 1976) and the United States Geological Survey
(USGS, 1975, 1976).
10.5.1 Suspended Solids
Although variation in the nature and chemistry of suspended solids,
phosphorus and chloride required that each be handled separately, sus-
pended solids were used as a basis for estimating the loads for particu-
late and soluble phosphorus.
The historical development of delivery ratio is related to the
development of the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) (Wischmeier and
Smith, 1965). This equation estimates the gross annual potential for
sediment production off the land, and this, compared to the sediment dis-
charged at the mouth of a watershed, is considered the sediment delivery
ratio for the watershed. The USLE, in conjunction with the routine
sampling synoptic survey data, was used to estimate the annual sediment
unit load delivered from 59 upland synoptic survey watersheds.
The estimated annual suspended sediment load was related to the
synoptic survey data using the New York State Erosion and Sediment Inven-
tory (EASI) (USDA, 1974) as the common denominator. Unit suspended sedi-
ment loads for each of the 59 synoptic survey watersheds were calculated
and an isopleth map of unit load developed (Figure 16). Figure 15 shows
schematically how the calculation was made.
The annual load predicted by this method is 609,000 tonnes. This
compares to measured loads of 1,014,350 tonnes in 1975 and 544,427 tonnes
in 1976 or 60 percent and 112 percent (Table 8). The difference between
the 1975 and 1976 suspended solids loads serves to show the variation in
the system. Prediction by this method gives an estimate of the order of
magnitude one might expect on an annual basis. Total flow for 1976 was
some 30 percent less than 1975, so that the reduced load might be expect-
ed, particularly for suspended material given its dependence on flow.
Further, it is reasonable to expect that the sediment carrying capabil-
ity of the river was reduced more than the absolute flow reduction
causing a nearly 50 percent reduction in sediment delivered.
In calibration of a model 'such as this to upland watersheds, one
would expect an overestimation of load because smaller watersheds gen-
erally produce higher suspended solids unit loads than larger drainage
basins (Gregory and Walling, 1973). There is, however, evidence (Keller
and Gilbert, 1967) that the main stem of the Genesee River is an active
sediment producer, particularly in the central basin. If this is true,
43
-------
SUSPENDED SOLIDS
USLE
USLE-cSYN*
SYNOPTIC SS LOAD
PARTICULATE PHOSPHORUS
it
SYNOPTIC SURVEY
SS UNIT LOAD
PP«wSS"
SS UNIT LOAD
SOLUBLE PHOSPHORUS
SYNOPTIC SSUMC
SUSPENDED
SOLIDS
PARTICULATE
PHOSPHORUS
SYNOPTIC SURVEY
SS UNIT LOAD
SP-ySS1
SS UNIT LOAD
SOLUBLE
PHOSPHORUS
Figure 15. Unit load calculation flow chart,
44
-------
'000
SUSPENDED
SOLIDS
kg/ha/yr
Figure 16. Estimated suspended solids unit load.
-------
Table B. Suspended Solids and
Phosphorus Load Estimates
Load
1975
Measured Load
1976
Measured Load
Estimated Load
USLE/EASI gross 3,799,000
Load load
Delivered 332,000
load
1975 Load-1976 Load
1975 Load
Suspended
Solids
1,014,350
(60)»
544,427
(112)
609,000
Suspended
Solids
Delivery Ratio
26. 7#
14-3*
16.0?5
Particulate
Phosphorus
686
(66)
417
(109)
454
Dis salved
Phosphorus
127
(83)
107
(98)
105
39%
16)6
»(Percent)= Estimated Load
Measured Load
-------
use of upland watersheds for calibration would exclude a major sediment
source.
It is interesting to note that the EASI predicted a gross potential
load of 3,799,000 tonnes. Using the delivery ratio based on watershed
size (Gregory and Walling, 1973) for each of the sub-watersheds as
defined in the EASI study, the predicted load was 332,000 tonnes for an
overall delivery ratio of 8.7 percent. Using the measured loads and
the EASI gross production potential estimate, the delivery ratio ranged
from 14.3 percent (1976) to 26.7 (1975) and was 16.0 percent for the
estimated load (Table 8). Clearly, there is much to be learned about
erosion dynamics and sediment transport.
10.5.2 Phosphorus
Unlike sediment, no tool (i.e. the USLE) exists for estimating the
gross production potential for chemical parameters. For this reason
and due to the nature of the chemical and physical dynamics of phosphorus
in streams and rivers, the load estimation was related to suspended
solids production.
Phosphorus load was divided into its particulate and soluble com-
ponents to produce separate loads.
Synoptic survey suspended solids unit loads were related to the
synoptic survey particulate phosphorus unit loads as shown in Figure 15.
From these unit loads, the particulate phosphorus contour map was devel-
oped (Figure 17).
The predicted annual load for particulate phosphorus was 454 tonnes.
This compares to 686 tonnes in 1975 and 417 tonnes in 1976. On a percen-
tage basis, the estimated load was 66 percent of the 1975 load and 109
percent of the 1976 load. This range of variation is about 20 percent
less than the variation of the measured loads about the suspended solids
estimated load. The difference between the 1975 and 1976 particulate
phosphorus loads is 39 percent as compared to 46 percent for the suspend-
ed solids.
As with the suspended solids estimate, the particulate phosphorus
load estimate likely underrated the loads contributed within the low-
lands. An additional error results for not including wastewater particu-
late phosphorus which, based on the point source inventory, may range
as high as 24 tonnes per year.
Soluble phosphorus concentrations from the synoptic survey were
also related to suspended solids in a manner similar to particulate
phosphorus (Figure 17). The soluble phosphorus unit loading contour map
is shown in Figure 18.
47
-------
0.
0.
PARTICULATE
PHOSPHORUS
kg/ho/yr
Figure 17. Estimated particulate phosphorus unit load.
48
-------
SOLUBLE
PHOSPHORUS
kg/ha/yr
Figure 18. Estimated soluble phosphorus unit load.
49
-------
The soluble phosphorus estimate was 105 tonnes which compares to 127
tonnes (1975) and 107 tonnes (1976), Immediately apparent is the narrow
range of variation of the measured loads around the estimated load with
1975 at 83 percent and 1976 at 98 percent, and only 16 percent difference
between the two annual loads. Soluble parameters tend to be less vari-
able with flow and, perhaps, more predictable.
Since the soluble phosphorus load includes no point source in-
fluences, it actually overestimates the load by a wide margin. The
point source survey suggests a total phosphorus load of about 119 tonnes
and thus a soluble phosphorus load of 95 tonnes. From this a total
soluble phosphorus load of 200 tonnes might be expected at the mouth of
the Genesee River on an annual basis. Since this load is not realized,
it is possible that up to 60 percent of the soluble phosphorus input
to the river is processed within the system so that it appears as
particulate phosphorus or is bound up in the bed sediments and not
measured.
10.5.3 Chloride
Chloride load was not estimated in the same fashion as suspended
solids and phosphorus. As an entirely dissolved constituent of streams,
it finds its way into surface waters through groundwater and surface
water flow. The sources of chloride are primarily road salting and
geologic/land use sources. Groundwater well records (USGS, 1975,1976)
show the steep gradient south to north as groundwater concentrations of
chloride increase from 10 mg/1 to upward of 400 mg/1 in and around Ro-
chester.
Rather than estimate an overall chloride load, a determination of
groundwater contribution was made. Assuming groundwater makes up the
surface water at base flow, monthly base flow estimates were made. In
combination with the groundwater chloride concentration, this flow was
used to define a base flow chloride unit load map (Figure 19). The
load estimated by this method was 35,000 tonnes or about 30 percent of
the total 1975 load and 50 percent of the 1976 load after deducting the
salt mine load. Table 9 summarizes the chloride load distribution.
Approximately 40 percent of the total 1975 flow was base flow and
by subtraction 70 percent of the load was produced with 60 percent of the
flow. This then suggests that runoff (mostly road salt) contributes
34,000 to 75,000 tonnes per year of the total load measured at Rochester.
Like soluble phosphorus, the annual load variation was over a
rather narrow range with only 12 percent difference between the two years.
The extensive pollution of groundwater, principally from road salting,
provides a large reliable source of chloride for surface water flow.
50
-------
CHLORIDE
base flow
kg/ha/yr
Figure 19. Estimated chloride unit load.
51
-------
Table 9. Chloride Mass Balance
Study Year
1975
1976
Pase Flow Chloride
35,000
35,000
Runoff*
Salt Mine Vaste Total
74,800
34,000
17,000
43,000
126,800
112,000
Wn
K»
1975 Load - 1976 Load
1976 Load
X 100* =
* Calculated by subtraction (most17 road salt).
-------
10.6 Land Use, Soils, Geology and Vater Quality
The relationship between land use and water quality is not often
clearly defined. Analysis of available data from the Genesee Watershed
from the present and previous studies show that water quality parameters
can indeed be related to factors other than land use, and that land use
is strongly related to those other factors, e.g., geology, soil reaction
pH, soil drainage capability, and topography as stream slope. Relation-
ships between water quality, land use (as percent undisturbed land) and
these factors were investigated. Arbitrary indices quantify the rela-
tive variation of each of the factors within the Genesee Basin (Table 10)
TABLE 10. GEOLOGY AND SOIL INDICIES
Parameter Scale and Basis
Geology 2-7 bedrock calcium content
Soil pH 5.5-8 soil reaction pH
Slope 0.7-4.8 stream bed slope - %
Drainage 5-9 soil drainage capability
Chloride and total soluble phosphorus (TSP) typify the kinds of
inseparable relationships that exist among the various factors. Figure
20 demonstrates the strong influence of land use on mean annual chloride
concentration for six watersheds; there is a very sharp decrease from
the three watersheds with relatively intense land use to those having
diminished levels of activity. The log coefficient of variation of
chloride concentration shows a similar relationship, with increasing var-
iation of Cl concentration about the mean with increasing undisturbed
land. It is evident that land use activities are strongly correlated
with the concentration and variability of chloride in surface waters
(Figure 20). In watersheds where seasonal use varies widely, large
variations in stream concentrations are found.
Figure 21 depicts the relationship between chloride concentration
and geology index and soil drainage capability. Chloride shows a posi-
tive linear relation with geology which is due in part to the distribu-
tion of evaporites as halite in the northern and north central portion
of the Genesee watershed. Indeed there are several salt mining oper-
ations within the watershed. Chloride is also positively related to
soil drainage capability. Chloride tends to migrate to streams through
subsurface flow; well drained soils will tend to deliver chloride in a
shorter time than poorly drained soils.
Total soluble phosphorus (Figure 22) follows a steep negative vari-
ation with increased percent undisturbed land. This is the type of re-
lationship one expects of phosphorus as it demonstrates the impact of
civilization on TSP input to streams. The TSP log coefficient of vari-
53
-------
Geology
— • — Drainage
INDEX
Figure 20. Chloride concentration vs. land use.
Cone
— log CV
0 25 50 75 100
LAND USE- % UNDISTURBED
Figure 21. Chloride concentration vs. geology index and soil
drainage index.
54
-------
0.08
=0.06
I
0.04
O
0.004
• — CONC
+ -•— log CV
0 25
LAND USE
50 75
% UNDISTURBED
100
1.2
0.8 o
04*
OX)
Figure 22. Total soluble phosphorus vs. land use.
o 1.
S.
I
€>
"o
0.4
O
o
o»
O f\
• pH
4. «.- GEOLOGY
4 6
INDEX
8
Figure 23. Total soluble phosphorus log coefficient of variation
vs. geology index and soil pH index.
55
-------
ation follows a positive relationship with increasing undisturbed land.
Low levels of TSP in the forested lands as compared to urban land, are
responsible for the increased coefficient of variation. Small fluctuations
about the low mean TSP concentration in an undeveloped watershed can cause
a great change in the coefficient of variation. The calcareous nature of
the system also likely plays a part in stabilizing the TSP concentration.
Geology and soil pB (Figure 23) have significant effects on the
variation of total soluble phosphorus. Both variables induce a negative
linear model with the TSP log coefficient of variation. The negative re-
lationship indicates a stabilizing capability that is likely related to
the increasing calcium Content of both the parent bedrock and surface
soils. Other work (Carlson, 1977) has demonstrated the binding capability
of the calcareous stream bed sediments found in the northern portion of the
Genesee basin.
All of these water quality relationships may be reasonably explained,
but it can be similarly shown that land use is related in turn to each of
the indices described. Figure 24 shows the relationship between soil pH
index and land use and Figure 25 shows the relationship between geology
index and land use. The geologic index follows closely the variation in
land use that has developed in the Genesee River Basin as does soil pH.
In addition to these relationships, it can be seen (Figure 26 and 27) that
both slope index (stream gradient) and soil drainage capability index are
closely related to land use. With these relationships it is evident that
there is a strong interdependence among many parameters in defining sur-
face water quality.
Chloride shows a very strong relationship to land use. One can usu-
ally identify the likely and anomalous sources of this ion (point sources
and unprotected salt piles), but in conjunction with the land use/chloride
Interaction, the variation with geological development must be recognized
The presence of large evaporite deposits in the north most certainly modi-
fies what might otherwise be considered as affecting the variation in
chloride levels in the streams and as a control of the rate of transport
from the sources to the surface water.
Phosphorus variations in surface waters are complex. There is no
question that land use affects the concentration of total dissolved phos-
phorus in the Genesee surface waters. High levels in areas associated
with intense land use activities cannot be related to the natural con-
ditions found in the watershed. The total geologic system, however, sig-
nificantly modifies groundwater and surface water concentrations and vari-
ability.
56
-------
Ln
8
o 6
Z
0 20 40 60 80 100
LAND USE % UNDISTURBED
Figure 24. Soil pH index vs. land use.
8
x
Ubl
O
O 4
O
O
0 20 40 60 80 ?00
LAND USE % UNDISTURBED
Figure 25. Geology index vs. land use.
O
- 6
UJ
O.
O
4
0
«/>
0 20 40 60 80 100
LAND USE % UNDISTURBED
Figure 26. Slope index vs. land use.
X
UJ
O
UJ
O
DC
O
8
6
4
_, 2
O
en
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
LAND USE % UNDISTURBED
c 27. Sol] drninn?,r ind^x vs. 1 ".-)•' use
-------
10. 7 Special Studies
10.7.1 Water Quality Studies at Mill Creek, New York
Two special studies were conducted at Mill Creek, a small stream
draining 2,500 hectares in Rensselaer County near Albany, New York. The
land use in the watershed is predominantly forest (54$) and agriculture
(43$). The stream in unregulated and has no known point sources of pol-
lution. A complete description of the watershed is available (El—Baroudi
et al., 1975).
The first study involved rigorous water quality sampling to deter-
mine the influence of sampling interval on the estimation of annual loads
and average water chemistry (10.7.1.1). The second study consisted of an
inventory of the forms of phosphorus and nitrogen in the Mill Creek Vater-
shed, including a simple block diagram conceptual model for phosphorus
flux during an average year (10.7.1.2).
10.7.1.1 Sampling Interval Studies at Mill Creek, New York
The purpose of this study was to estimate what influence sampling
interval has on the estimation of the annual loads of suspended sediment,
chloride and phosphorus from a watershed. Many past stream water quality
studies have used an experimental design based upon balancing the tem-
poral and spatial variation in stream chemistry.
Problems of logistics and limited resources have forced most in-
vestigators conducting stream chemistry studies to sample at fixed in-
tervals, usually biweekly or Monthly. In an attempt to make empirical
estimates of errors associated with fixed interval sampling, Mill
Creek was sampled once a day from June 2, 1975 to May 31, 1976. Twenty
water quality constituents were analyzed including major ions and the
various forms of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus. Stream discharge was
also measured by a standard stage height recording gauge.
Average daily loadings were calculated for ten subsets of data taken
at fixed intervals of one to 60 days. The calculations are described in
Hetling, Carlson and Bloomfield (1976). The results of these calculations
for stream discharge, chloride, phosphorus and suspended solids are shown
in Figures 28-36.
It is apparent from these results that for runoff event related para-
meters such as total phosphorus and suspended solids, one must sample very
frequently (at least every other day), or the average values calculated
from data will vary considerably from the actual daily average. The
error associated with infrequent sampling is worst in the calculation of
loadings of particulate constituents. Order of magnitude or greater errors
can be encountered for these parameters with less than a three day sampling
58
-------
interval (Hetling, Carlson and Bloomfield, 1976).
As a result of this analysis, it can be concluded that for small
streams such as Mill Creek, fixed interval sampling for variable com-
ponents such as suspended solids and particulate phosphorus, to obtain
average concentrations, is of little value unless the sampling interval
is less than three days. Attempts at fixed interval sampling should be
discouraged in favor of runoff event sampling covering a wide range of
discharge conditions.
STREAM DISCHARGE
5»IOO
u.
o
20
3
(00% 3
50% g
0% -|
- 5O%
10 20 90 40
INTERVAL (DAYS)
50
60
Figure 28. Mill Creek - Stream discharge vs. sampling interval.
50
o 10
CHLORIDE
+ I00%n
H- 50% S
0% R
-50% >
10 20 30 40
INTERVAL (DAYS)
50
•0
Figure 29. Mill Creek - Chloride load vs. sampling interval.
59
-------
CHLORIDE LOADS
25000
§
3 1000
Ul
500
X
o
100
10 20 30 40
INTERVAL (DAYS)
30
r>
m
•«• 100% z
f 50% g
-0% <
5
-50% I
50
—L
60
Figure 30. Mill Creek - Chloride load vs. sampling interval.
OJ
0.5
O.OI
" 0.009
-50%
10 tO *0 40 60 60
INTERVAL. (DAYS)
Figure 31. Mill Creek - Particulate phosphorus concentration vs.
sampling interval.
60
-------
90.0
iO
20 SO 40
INTERVAL (DAYS)
• + 1000%
CO
Figure 32. Mill Creek - Particulate phosphorus load vs. sampling
interval.
o.io
.05
CO
o
I
O
V)
.01
.005
100 %z
50% 0
0% <
- 5O%
10 20 30 40
INTERVAL (DAYS)
50
60
Figure 33. Mill Creek - Soluble phosphorus concentration vs,
sampling interval.
61
-------
10.0
I
0
o
1.00
to
0.10
10 20 30 40
INTERVAL (DAYS)
50
+ I00%o
m
*50% z
-50% >
o
-90%
•0
Figure 34. Mill Creek - Soluble phosphorus load vs. sampling interval.
IOOJO
5O.O
tn
o
3 10.0
5.0
1.0
I00%n
80% £
O "*
R
-50% S
I
10 20 SO 40
INTERVAL (DAYS)
BO «O
Figure 35. Mill Creek - Suspended solids concentration vs. sampling
interval.
62
-------
90OOO
-IOOOX
•500%
I00%3
*>» 3
o 5
-50 ?
H
5
-«O%
96%
10 CO 9O 40
MTCHVfcL. (DAYS)
BO
Figure 36. Mill Creek - Suspended solids load vs. sampling interval.
10.7.1.2 Inventory of Forms of Nutrients Stored in a Watershed
An inventory of the organic and inorganic forms of nitrogen and
phosphorus was carried out on the Mill Creek Watershed (El-Baroudi et al.,
1975). Results show that nutrients in terrestrial systems encounter peri-
odic transformations and exchange with adjacent water resources depending
on both natural processes and the activities of man. Also, a nutrient
inventory is enhanced when information on nutrient availability and seasonal
transfer rates are included.
Figure 37 depicts an annual phosphorus budget for Mill Creek based on
collected data and best available literature information. The stream
outflow value (1.84 tonnes per year) is further divided monthly in
Figure 38. Annual total phosphorus inputs from external sources were
estimated 3.82 tonnes while the total export was 3.84. metric tonnes.
The stream TP discharge was 4.8 percent of the total output, but was less
than 0.05 percent of the total phosphorus stored within the watershed.
Nearly 70 percent of the TP discharge occurred between January and April.
63
-------
Precipitation
0.4^
Vegetation for
Human Consumption
0.0 *(0.4)
0.1
Canopy
0.0 (11.4)
114
O.I
Woody Blomass
4.7
(4.8)
O.I
5.6
Surface Vegetation
0.0
1.2
1.8
Interface
8.4 (7.2)
MILL CREEK ANNUAL
PHOSPHORUS BUDGET
TONNES/YR.
PHOSPHORUS
| Food and Miscellaneous
4-
0.82
2.2
11.5
0.62
Soil
4300
B
Man
0 7
(0.7)
12.6
Animals
1.9
(1.7)
0.8
1.84
0.25 * * 1.73
0.4
Farm Crops
Milk
I
I Food
Stream Output
Domestic Fertiliser I I Farm Fertilizer
'NOTE'- Summer storages (tonne*)
in parentheses
A- sewage 0.6
B- solid watt* 0.6
Figure 37. Mill Creek - Annual phosphorus budget.
64
-------
April
Mai
Jan
Nov-Dec
Oct
May-Sept
Phosphorus loss-ninthly
Figure
38. Mill Creek
. Monthly phosphorus budget.
65
-------
10.7.2 Nitrogen and Phosphorus Losses in Drainage Water from Organic
Soils (Duxbury and Peverly, 1977)
The contribution by diffuse sources to water pollution is thought to
be an appreciable fraction of the total. However, the contribution by
different land types and uses is poorly understood.
Organic or peat soils, which can be very intensively and profitably
cultivated after adequate drainage, appear to be an important diffuse source
for N, P and other elements in drainage water. Drainage water from two
organic soil deposits in New York State was monitored for flow rates and
nutrient concentrations over the period March 1975 to June 1976. Con-
tinuous flow records with composite water sampling for concentration deter-
minations were used. At other sites, partial flow records and water
sampling were made on a twice-weekly schedule. Rain events were intensively
sampled.
The total annual losses from the soils ranged from 0.9 to 30.7 kg/ha
for ortho P, 41. to 92.6 kg/ha for NO~-N, and <1 to 1.9 kg/ha NH4~N. The
P losses seem to be directly correlated with the depth of organic material.
Concentrations in the drainage water increased as flows increased, so
that by far the greatest losses were during spring and fall events.
Because organic soils constantly undergo decomposition with the simul-
taneous release of N and P, it is not known what the previous fertilizer
practices contribute to these losses. It is clear that organic soils con-
tribute to N and P in land runoff at a much greater proportion than indi-
cated by the total area of such soils.
Appreciable quantities of metals may also by lost from certain organic
soils.
The downstream fate of the elements released include sediment tieup,
biological incorporation and passage down the stream into receiving waters.
Most N and P seems to be transported downstream, with substantial quantities
incorporated into aquatic plants during summer and fall.
10.7.3 Nutrients and Heavy Metals in Genesee River Sediments (Reddy,
1977)
During the sampling period starting in April 1975 and ending in
March 1977.142 bottom sediment, 65 suspended sediment, 151 water column
particulate, 152 water column unfiltered and 1^6 water column filtered
samples were collected to assess the concentration, distribution and
chemical characteristics of nutrients being transported by the Genesee
River and its tributaries. The specific objectives were to provide:
(1) information for analysis of the effect of land use activity on sedi-
ment composition, and (2) a basis for determining whether the metals and
nutrients in the watershed sediments were present in high enough con-
centration and were being transported in a reactive chemical form
66
-------
through the basin in such a way as to be a threat to the water quality
of Lake Ontario. Sampling and analytical methods have been reported
elsewhere (Krishnamurty and Eeddy, 1975 and Reddy, 1977).
Metal and nutrient concentrations in the Genesee were generally
indicative of a non-polluted environment. The exceptions were a
moderate enrichment of phosphorus and a slight enrichment of lead. The
phosphorus enrichment in the sediment arises both from agricultural
activities and waste treatment effluents. Lead enrichment, in the
predominantly non-urban setting, may be due to a diffuse atmospheric
input and direct surface runoff from highway corridors.
Table 11 presents statistics for the phosphorus analyses of three
types of sediment samples collected during routine surveys conducted
in the period June 1975 through July 1976. This table shows that the
largest sediment fractional phosphorus concentration is that extracted
by hydrochloric acid. Ammonium oxalate-oxalic acid solution extracts
somewhat less phosphorus from sediments, while sodium hydroxide and
hydroxylamine extract much less.
The variation in total available sediment phosphorus concentration
among the three sediment types shown in Table 11 is clearly apparent.
Phosphorus content increases in the sequence: bottom sediment, resus-
pended bottom sediment, water column particulate material. This
sequence follows the increase in the surface area of the three sediment
types.
The concentrations of eight elements in bottom sediment from all
stations in the watershed are summarized in Table 12. The mean sediment
metal concentrations of the Genesee watershed are compared in Table 13
with an average shale composition (Turekian and ¥edephol, 1961) and
with a typical lacustrine sediment containing carbonates (Forstner,
1977). Differences between the shale and lake sediments are due to a
dilution effect, with carbonate minerals having lower heavy metal con-
tents than shales. Reduction of the sediment metal concentration by
carbonate dilution is reported to be greatest for iron and somewhat
less for nickel, chromium, zinc, and manganese (Forstner, 1977). This
reduction sequence is seen in the Genesee watershed sediments, suggest-
ing that basin sediment trace metal contents are less than recognized
reference values because of significant sediment concentrations of
trace metal depleted minerals such as quartz and carbonates. Addi-
tional mechanisms for trace metal reduction may be geologic weathering
and leaching of silt and clay fractions of the various minerals.
The higher mean value for lead in the Genesee watershed sediments
may be due to atmospheric inputs of lead transported from the highly
industrialized central United States. Several lines of evidence
indicate that point-source inputs of lead in the predominantly forested
and agricultural basin are probably negligible (Hetling, 1976). Durum
and co-workers (1971) have shown that in high-alkalinity surface waters,
lead solubility will be low, and most of the rainfall and dustfall lead
67
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Table 11. STATISTICS FOR PHOSPHORUS ANALYSES
FOR SEVERAL SEDIMENT TYPES
COLLECTED IN THE GENESEE RIVER WATERSHED, NEW YORK (jig/g)
Sample Type
Concentration »
Mean Range
CV-
n
BOTTOM SEDIMENT
Total Analysis 560
NaOH Extractable 58
HC1 Extractable 398
NH2OH Extractable 74
' " , Extractable 184
RESUSPENDED BOTTOM SEDIMENT
Total Analysis 770
NaOH Extractable 163
HC1 Extractable 528
NH2QH Extractable 70
Extractable 474
PARTICULATE ANALYSIS
Total Analysis 910
330-980
5-410
177-731
6-313
49-453
390-2020
19-1000
258-664
3-385
119-1110
140
62
99
63
93
360
232
109
102
222
400-3000 640
0.25
1.07
0.25
0.86
0.50
0.46
1.43
0.21
1.46
0.47
0.70
99
98
98
98
83
46
17
17
17
17
61
a jig/g dry weight.
fc SD, standard deviation.
2. CV, coefficient of variation
68
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Table 12. STATISTICS FOR TOTAL ANALTSES OF BOTTOM SEDIMENTS
COLLECTED IN THE GENESEE RIVER WATERSHED
Parameter
Aluminum
Chromium
Copper
Iron
Manganese
Nickel
Lead
Zinc
Total carbon
Total organic
carbon
Total nitrogen
Phosphorus
Mean
6,660
14
18
15,060
424
23
40
69
2.06
1.37
0.105
0.0560
Concentration6
Range
1,550-14,500
10-79
8-41
2,350-36,500
150-1,300
6-87
6-550
15-210
0.28-8.26
0.03-5.69
0.01-0.63
0.033-0.098
SD*
2,620
9
7
7,312
212
13
67
37
1.68
1.28
0.098
o.ou
CV
0.39
0.66
0.40
0.^9
0.50
0.57
1.69
0.54
0.82
0.94
0.93
0.25
n
100
78
82
100
100
98
99
99
99
95
93
99
•For metals, pg/g dry weight.
**SD, standard deviation.
For nutrients, %,
Table 13. MEAN METAL CONCENTRATIONS (wg/g) IN
GENESEE RIVER WATERSHED SEDIMENT,
AVERAGE SHALE COMPOSITION, AND TYPICAL LAKE SEDIMENTS
RICH IN Ca-Mg CARBONATES
Metal
Genesee River
watershed sediment Shale-
Lake Sediment rich in
Ca-Mg carbonates*
Iron
Manganese
Zinc
Chromium
Nickel
Copper
Lead
15,060
424
69
14
23
18
40
46,700
850
95
90
68
45
20
16,900
475
63
42
46
34
21
|Turekian, Wedepohl, 1961.
SForstner, 1977.
69
-------
will be transferred to river sediments, where it will tend to accumulate.
10.7.4 Hydrology and Sediment Transport of the Genesee River Basin
(Mansue and Bauersfeld, 1977)
The U.S. Geological Survey has developed and maintained a hydrologic
and sediment monitoring network within the Genesee basin which included
determining sediment size, loading rate and mineralogical analyses of the
sediment collected.
Stream flows during the study (1976-77) were generally at or near the
monthly mean of the period of record at each station. Flows in the southern
part of the basin were somewhat above normal during the spring of 1976.
Suspended sediment was measured at several types of stations as indicated
in Section 9.2. Sediment production per unit of flow (kg/m ) was higher in
the upstream watersheds than further downstream. From April to September
1975, sediment yield (kg/ha) was seven times greater at Portageville than 110
km downstream at Rochester and decreased steadily between these two sites.
During the corresponding period in 1976, the yield at Portageville was 1.5
times greater than at Rochester. The ratio of yield at Portageville to that
at Rochester was 2.5 during the 1976 water year whereas the total loads at
both sites were equal. The sediment yield decreased in inverse proportion to
drainage area - a phenomenon observed at other streams by Gregory and Walling
(1976) in conformance with the usual geomorphic pattern of degradation in
headwater streams and subsequent aggradation at lesser gradients downstream.
Large sediment sources are available for erosion south of Portageville,
whereas deposition occurs above the Mt. Morris dam and farther downstream in
areas of lower river gradients. Downstream from the Mt. Morris dam, the
floodplain widens and the channel gradient decreases to 0.2 m/km; as the river
transverses the Huron Plain between Avon and Rochester, the gradient decreases
to 0.02 m/km. Data collected on the Genesee main stem suggest that on a daily
basis there is a several day lag and, on a monthly basis, a several month lag
in the downstream movement of sediment.
The volume of sediment transported past the Portageville station decreas-
ed during the summer months but increased below the downstream sampling sites
during the same period. From July to September 1976, total load transported
past Portageville was the lowest of any 3-month period during the study; the
highest load transported during this same time was past the Avon station which
suggests a summer period of sediment migration through the river system.
The percentage of sand transported in suspension by the Genesee River is
generally in direct proportion to the stream gradient. Twice the amount of
sand was transported past Wellsville as past Portageville. The drainage area
above Wellsville is predominantly sandstone, whereas above Portageville, the
predominant sediment source is glacial drift of silt-size material.
70
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The percentage of silt in transport was greater at the Portageville
station than at the Mt. Morris station, although the percentage of clay-
and sand-size material increased between these sites. The decrease in
the percentage of silt is caused by its deposition behind the Mt. Morris
dam; the increase in percentage of sand is attributed to the stream's
flow over alluvial sands below the dam. Canaseraga Creek contributes a
large percentage of the clay-size material measured at the Mt. Morris
station.
The percentage of sand-sized material measured at the Avon station
is half that transported past the Mt. Morris station. This suggests sand
deposition in the reach between Mt. Morris and Avon.
The percentage of sand transported be Oatka Creek decreases in a
downstream direction; this is a direct function of decreasing stream gra-
dient.
Mineralogical analyses reflect the sources and age of material in the
glaciated Genesee River basin. Quartz, illite and chlorite are the major
constituents of the samples. Quartz is observed to be the dominant min-
eral transported in all but the lowest flows. This observation can be
substantiated by its abundance and its high resistance to weathering.
The shale, siltstone and sandstone that underlie the basin consist pre-
dominantly of quartz. The glacial till and lake deposits, which were
eroded and transported by the glaciers, are derived from these sedimen-
tary strata.
The major constituents of the basin are illite and chlorite. The
predominance of these clay minerals reflect unmodified clays of the
youngest glacial re-advance. The ratio of illite to chlorite was consistent
in all analyses; the mean ratio was 2.72:1. The spatial variation in
percentage of chlorite in the clay fraction showed, at a 95 percent confi-
dence level, that the variation between locations cannot be differentiated
from that within a single location, with one exception. At the Oatka
Creek/Garbutt station, a comparison of means of percent chlorite were sig-
nificantly different under the Student's t-distribution from those for
other sites.
Calcite was found in samples from Canaseraga Creek tributaries. It
is assumed this calcite was derived from the glacial drift composed of
limestone eroded from the Onondaga Escarpment. During low flow, illite
and quartz were the major constituents of sediment at the sites sampled.
10.7.5 A Synoptic Survey of Base Plow Water Chemistry in the Genesee
River Watershed
It has been proposed that man's activities in a watershed influence
stream water quality. What is often ignored are two related points.
First, even in the absence of man's activities, certain regional trends
in water quality exist, due primarily to heterogeneity in soil compo-
sition, but to a lesser extent in topography, bedrock chemistry and
71
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vegetational patterns. Secondly, man's usage of the land is highly
related to both surface water quality and the geomorphologic factors
mentioned previously. ¥ith this triad of land use, water quality and
geomorphology, it becomes difficult to isolate the land use-water
quality leg of the triad from the other two. Intensive agriculture
has often been indicated as a source of suspended sediment, nutrients
and exotic chemicals to streams, but agriculture is generally limited
to areas of certain soil types and topography. Therefore, it becomes
difficult to select control watersheds in any stream chemistry study
in agricultural areas.
Between June 28 and June 30, 1976, 59 unique watersheds in the
Genesee Watershed were sampled once for 27 water quality constituents
and stream discharge. These watersheds ranged in area from 15 to
207 km , but most were about 50 km . Land use ranged from almost
entirely cropland to almost exculsively forest. Although the study was
designed to evaluate regional trends in baseflow chemistry, a few
streams were experiencing runoff events when sampled. This study is
similar to a previous survey described in Bloomfield (1976).
Figures 39 to 42 show areal runoff, total soluble phosphorus,
chlorides and calcium respectively. These figures show general south
to north trends in calcium and soluble phosphorus, which could be
explained by parallel trends in either land use (Figure 4) or bedrock
geology (Figure 2).
Figure 43 is a bar graph comparing the chemistry of four groups of
watersheds defined by land use (agriculture versus natural vegetation
dominating) and bedrock geology (limestones and dolostones versus
sandstones, shales and siltstones dominating). It appears that agri-
cultural watersheds underlain by high lime bedrock exhibit the highest
soluble phosphorus, calcium and chloride at summer flow conditions.
However, without additional synoptic surveys conducted during several
different flow conditions, it would be difficult to ascertain whether
land use or natural factors are more important in defining the north-
south water chemistry trend.
10.7.6 Geochemistry of Oxide Precipitates in the Genesee River
Watershed (Whitney, 1977)
This work had as its principal objective the assessment of the func-
tion of manganese oxides as collectors of certain trace metals (in par-
ticular Zn, Cd, Co, Ni, Pb, and Cu) entering the streams in solution from
groundwater and runoff. Two types of samples were utilized; oxide-
coated stream gravel and silt- and clay-sized stream sediments.
Hydrous manganese oxide coatings on the gravels were leached and the
leachate analyzed for trace metals to ascertain the extent to which trace
metal content of the oxides varies as a function of land use, and surficial
and bedrock geology. Samples from 250 tributary streams in the Genesee
72
-------
u>
Area) Runoff
CF&hti2 Vtx/km2
* 001-025 t-27
• 026050 2055
• 051 1.00 58109
• 101 2 IV 219
>2 >i»
figure 39. Synoptic survey - areal runoff,
40. Synoptic survey - soluble phosphorus
concentration.
-------
Calcium (mg/|)
Figure 41. Synoptic survey - chloride
concentration.
Figure 42.
Synoptic survey
concentration.
- calcium
-------
H
n
< CO
m •<
' 3
O
00 T3
3
(D
O
0)
•§•
O
H
01
CALCIUM (mfl/l)
ro > o> CD o r»
o o o o o o o
CHLORIDE
n M
o
3D
m
8 .
M N
O
O
o
o
i
.1
• i
o g § 8 8
' » c
r §5
n 2
> S
5!
/.
^
^
SOLUBLE PHOSPHORUS (ji«/l)
_ M 01 * a 01
O o o o o o o
-
51
Co
mm,
-------
watershed were studied. Iron and the trace metals with the exception of
lead correlate strongly with manganese. Lead shows a much weaker correlation
and may be associated with a phase other than manganese oxides. Alterna-
tively, environmental control of the abundance of Pb in the oxides may be
sufficiently strong to obscure any correlations with Mn. Factor analysis
yields a three-factor model accounting for 83 percent of the total variance
of the data; Factor 1 (61 percent) is clearly controlled by Mn-oxide
abundance; Factor 2 (13 percent) is probably related to geologic variables;
Factor 3 (9 percent) is low-level environmental pollution. Multiple re-
gression analysis of the gravels data indicates that Pb, Zn and Cu abun-
dances are positively related to commericial, residential and industrial
land use. Cadmium, Co and Ni are more abundant in forested areas than in
areas of agricultural land use, although this effect may be due chiefly to
geologic influences.
Hot nitric acid leachings of 130 samples of bottom sediments were also
analyzed for the heavy metals and for Mn, Fe and Ca. Here, correlations of
the metals with Mn was much weaker than for the gravels. Factor analysis
yields a four-factor model accounting for 83 percent of the variance; the
four factors appear to be linked with the four physical components of the
sediments: silicates (Co, Mi, Cu, Pb, Mn) ; organic matter (Zn, Cd, Mn, Pb);
oxides (Fe) and carbonates (Ca, Pb). Multiple regression shows a signifi-
cant effect of commercial, residential and industrial land use on Pb and Cu
distribution; most of the metals appear to be dominantly controlled by
geologic variables. The results for the bottom sediments plus a few suspend-
ed sediments indicate that manganese oxides play at most a minor role in the
transport of heavy metals in the Genesee River system.
10.7.7 Point Source Phosphorus Influence and Cycling in Streams
(Bouldin, 1975)
Phosphorus inputs to and transport within a predominantly agricul-
tural watershed were studied to identify major source types, nutrient
species and species movement and processing within the stream channel.
The watershed studied had three major stations; one at the mouth and
one on each of two tributaries with the tributaries having similar
characteristics (including land use dominated by agriculture) except
for a substantial point source discharge to one tributary.
Using data from small, undisturbed watersheds and groundwater
measurements, estimates of background values of total soluble phosphorus
(TSP) and molybdate reactive phosphorus (MRP) were determined. The
background was defined as biogeochemical phosphorus (BGP) and is
considered indicative of phosphorus not associated with human activity.
On this basis, in the agricultural watershed, 60 percent of the TSP and
45 percent of the MRP was BGP, while the point source watershed was
estimated at 37 percent and 22 percent, respectively. At the watershed
mouth, the BGP accounted for 50 percent of the TSP and £0 percent of
the MRP.
76
-------
Based on estimation from unit loads at each of the sample sites,
MRP and TSP measured at the watershed mouth were 24 percent and 11
percent below the levels expected in a conservative system.
Processing of MRP and TSP resulted in reductions of these species with
transfer to suspended particulate and bed material.
Development of loads for identification of phosphorus processing
required substantial analysis of the relationships between the various
water chemistry parameters and flow. The analysis demonstrated the
utility of including a term to account for time rate of change of flow.
This term includes in the regression model, the variation of concen-
trations with flow rate change as a storm hydrograph develops and then
recedes back to base flow.
Use of this load calculation technique and the watershed mass
balance indicated the positive effect the New York State phosphate ban
had on reducing levels of this nutrient in wastewater and consequently,
also in surface waters. The study also indicated the difficulty of
identifying watersheds that were clean with respect to point sources.
Particularly, intentional and accidental discharge of septic tank
overflows to surface waters was found to be a continuous problem in all
areas of the study watershed.
10.7.8 Stream Bank Erosion Study (Mildner, 1977)
Two subwatersheds in the Genesee Basin were studied to assess the
magnitude of stream bank erosion and the probable contribution of eroded
stream bank material to the overall suspended sediment load. About 17
percent of the stream bank of Canaseraga and Oatka Creeks were surveyed
and estimates of total length of stream bank actively eroding and
erosion rates were generated. From this, a best estimate delivery ratio
was developed. These estimates, compared to sediment yield estimates
provided by the United States Geological Survey, indicate that stream
bank contribution to the Canaseraga and Oatka Creeks is eight and four
percent, respectively.
The investigation indicated that in the Canaseraga Watershed, 308
bank kilometers are currently under treatment and another 74 need some
treatment by Soil Conservation Service Standards. Oatka Creek has 4.0 km
requiring treatment compared to 73 km already under treatment. In both
cases, the indicated treatment need was associated with modified stream
banks and drainage ditches. This is also true of those sections with
existing treatment} no existing or needed treatment was identified for
the natural stream course.
It was shown for the watersheds studied, that excepting phosphorus,
the contribution of any parameter loading from bank material was less
than three percent of the load measured at the stream mouth. Phosphorus
contributions were higher, accounting for 4.7 percent of the Canaseraga
Creek and 9.8 percent of the Oatka Creek loads. Available phosphorus
77
-------
contributed was 0.3 percent and 0.08 percent of the total loads for
Canaseraga and Oatka Creeks, respectively.
10.7.9 Evaluation of the Bogardi T-3 Bedload Sampler (Zimmie, Park
and Floess, 1976)
The Bogardi T-3 Bedload Sampler was laboratory calibrated, and
compared to the Helley-Smith type sampler. The Bogardi T-3 Bedload
Sampler was found to be 4-0 percent efficient in removing bedload in
flume calibration tests. Field measurements were compared with bedload
formulae. Bedload was shown to contribute approximately ten percent
of the total sediment load.
10.7.10 Surficial Geology of the Genesee Valley
Far from being an ideal valley system developed as a well-integra-
ted and consistent geomorphic unit by normal fluvial processes, the
Genesee Valley links reaches which have had diverse origins and dissimi-
lar histories. Understanding of present processes and characteristics
of the diverse reaches requires knowledge of past conditions.
The inheritance from Pleistocene glaciation accounts for marked
contracts in valley form, and continues to exercise long-term control on
patterns of subsequent fluvial modification. During late Wisconsin re-
treat, the continental ice sheet impended a succession of proglacial lakes
in the Genesee Valley. Draining across the lowest divide freed by the
retreating ice, the lakes abandoned the lower northward end of the Genesee
Valley in progressively more recent times. The late succession in New
York begins with Wellsville Lake, impended perhaps 19,000 years ago during
late Woodfordian time (Almond Glaciation), and extending from the State
Line north to Belmont. South of Rochester, the final impending involved
the Pinnacle Hills Moraine, built approximately 12,000 years ago. Mor-
aine or drift barriers continued local impending just south of Portage-
ville, Fowlerville and Rochester, respectively, for a few millenia
following deglaciation. It was on this progressively uncovered valley
floor that postglacial fluvial erosion began, at different times and in
a different manner as dictated by late glacial history.
Prehistoric fluvial development of the floor of the Genesee Valley
generally involved transformation of inherited glacial and lacustrine
features toward fluvial equilibria. Upstream ends of inherited lake
basins were aggraded. Progressive incision of their outlets simultane-
ously contributed to their destruction. Steeper reaches, notably the
Letchworth Gorge were rapidly eroded, with the debris aggrading down-
stream where gradient diminished and the valley floor opened out. In
alluvial reaches, stream gradient and channel patterns developed long-
term equilibrium under prevailing load and discharge conditions which
reflect coarseness and abundance of load as well as bank coherence.
Relationships of date archeologic sites and radiocarbon analysis of
78
-------
buried wood fragments afford scattered datum points for estimating rates
of floodplain modification.
Although modern fluvial processes have only begun to transform the
inherited characteristics of the valley as a whole, they are dominant
in controlling channel character and development of the valley floor. Two
main sediment sources for stream load are material delivered by tributaries
and material eroded from the channel perimeter. Cobble and boulder-sized
material in the stream bed is derived either from tributaries flowing on
steep gradient across bedrock valley walls, or from sharply incising
reaches where the stream in downcutting encounters bedrock or glacial till.
Downstream from the Mt. Morris delta/fan, coarse clastic material moves
only gradually and for short distances in the stream bed. Upstream from
Portageville however, channel cross section is more open, channel storage
is less, channel pattern shows a tendency to braid and gradient is gene-
rally steeper than below Mt. Morris. In short, the equilibrium among
hydraulic parameters is adjusted to handle coarser bedload than in the
reach below Mt. Morris.
79
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11. DATA INTERPRETATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS
11.1 Causes and Sources of Pollutant Contributions
Large spatial variations in unit loads and concentrations of the
three PLUARG study pollutants (phosphorus, chlorides and sediments)
were found. Detailed interpretation of the data implies that this
variation is due as much to soil type and natural geochemical factors as
to land use. Since given land uses follow soil type and geological
patterns, many studies mistakenly characterize land use as contributing
high unit loads when in fact, soil type and geochemical factors are as
significant a cause.
In the Genesee River Basin, three types of land areas have
characteristically high unit loads of the pollutants studied:
1. Intensive agricultural areas are on calcareous soils in the
central to north section of the Genesee Watershed. These areas contri-
bute higher unit loads of phosphorus, suspended solids and chloride
than the remainder of the drainage basin.
2. Cultivated muckloads contribute high unit loadings of phosphorus.
3. Salt mining areas contribute high unit loadings of chloride.
11.2 Extent of Pollutant Contributions in Unit Area Loadings and
Seasonal Variations
Unit loadings and seasonal variations found in this study are
given in Figures 8-10 and Table 6. A variety of other unit loadings
for the Genesee Watershed have been published elsewhere (Hetling et al.,
1975). Seasonal variation in all parameters indicates the importance of
the winter-spring period of the hydrologic year. This observation may
influence the nature of remedial measures in any area.
11.3 Relative Significance of Sources Within the Watershed
Because of the highly variable nature of the Genesee watershed,
relative contributions from individual sources (point source, urban
areas, intensive agricultural, etc.) are small. Thus, attempts to
isolate sections of the watershed, where control measures will
80
-------
significantly reduce total loadings to the lake, are frustrating. Areas
with high unit loadings have been discussed in 11.1 above.
11.4 Transmission of Pollutants
Attempts at conclusive determinations of delivery ratios have been
unsuccessful. There is a general, but variable, increase in unit
loadings as one proceeds from the upper reaches of the drainage basin
to its mouth. This makes it difficult to interpret changes in the main
stem loadings since it is not clear if the changes are due to changing
unit loadings for that section of the stream or changes in stream
delivery ratios. There are, however, some stream reaches where the
gross stream loads decrease; thus, a delivery ratio (at least during
the two-year sampling period) is less than one.
11.5 Data Transferability
Generalized results are transferable, but the variability found
indicates that specific numerical results are unique to an area.
Unless a watershed with similar land use practices, soil types and geo-
logy can be identified, the results cannot be transferred. This limits
extrapolation to very small areas where specific numerical results can
be transferred or very large areas where generalized qualitative results
can be transferred.
81
-------
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Geology of the Genesee Valley, Report of Investigations. New York State
Geological Survey, Albany, New York.
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No. 72 p. 175-192.
United States Army Corps of Engineers, 1967. Comprehensive Study of Water
and Related Land Resources of the Genesee Basin, Appendix E and F, Py^rology
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United States Geological Purvey, 1975. Water Resources Data for Kew York,
Water Year 1975. Albany, New York. 735 pp.
United States Geological Survey, 1976. Water Resources Data for Kew York,
Water Year 1976. Albany, New York p. 652.
Whitney, P.R., 1977. Geochemistry of Oxide Precipitates in the Genesee River
Watershed. New York State Education Department, Geological Survey, Albany,
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Cropland East of the Rocky Mountains. USDS, £25 Agr. Handbook 282. If p.
Zimmie, T.F., Y.S. Paik, and C.H.L. Floess, 1976. Evaluation of the Bogardi
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Institute, Troy, New York.
84
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TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
(Please read Int&ueuoni on the rei crar before completing!
1. RtPORT NO.
EPA-905/9-91-005A
3. RECIPIENT'S ACCESSIOt*NO.
4 TITLE AND SUBTITLE
Genesee River Watershed Study Volume 1 - Summary
Pilot Watershed Report
6. REPORT DATE
March 1978
6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
T. AUTHOR(S)
Leo J. Hetling
G. Anders Carlson
Michael R. Rafferty
Patricia W. Boulton
. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO,
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Bureau of Technical Services and Research
50 Wolf Road
Albany, New York 12233
10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
A42B2A
11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO.
RQ05144
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND A£DF,£-_
Great Lakes National Program Office
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
230 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, Illinois 60604
13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
Final -- 1974-1978
14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
GLNPO/USEPA
15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
Ralph G. Christensen, Grants Officer
Patricia Longabucco, NY DEC Coord.
16. ABSTRACT
The Genesee River was (monitored foe stream flow and a variety of water
quality parameters under a program sponsored by the International Joint
Commission, Pollution from Land Use Activities Reference Group, Task C,
Pilot Watersheds Study. An integrated sampling program was operated from
(March 1975 though June 1977, Twenty-eight stations covered the spectrum
of land use, soil type and geologic development found in the watershed.
Pollutant studied in detail were phosphorus, suspended solids and chlod.de.
Results of the study suggest that water quality is not entirely dependent
on land use; soil type, geology and geomorphology also have strong influence
on the amounts and forms of various pollutants transported by surface
waters. The intensely farmed areas in the central and northern portion of
the watershed lie on calcareous soils. These areas contribute higher unit
loads of phosphorus, chloride and suspended solids than does the ranainder
of the watershed. Areas of cultivated muck land produce elevated phosphorus
unit loads, and excessive chlori.de production is identified with th >-^
regions having extensive salt mining operations.
17.
KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTORS
b.lDENTI'lEPS/OPENI ENDED TERMS
c. COSATl Field/Group
Land use
Phosphorus
Sediment
Chloride
Soils
Nitrogen
Nutrients
Streambank erosion
Water quality
18. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
Document is available to the public
through the National Technical Information
Service (NTIS)
Springfield, VA. 22161
19. SECURITY CLASS (This Report)
None
21 NO. OF PAGES
84
20 SECURITY CLASS (This page I
None
22. PRICE
EPA Form 2220-1 (9-73)
85
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